Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
In this role, you’ll work directly with children who are at risk of entering the youth justice system, offering timely, child‑first interventions to them and their families that focus on prevention, positive identity and long‑term outcomes.
You’ll act as a trusted professional at key moments in a child’s life, building strong relationships with young people, families and partner agencies, and ensuring the child’s voice shapes everything you do.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Carrying out assessments for children’s needs, risks, safety and wellbeing using Youth Justice Board‑approved tools
* Delivering targeted, evidence‑based interventions through one‑to‑one and small group work
* Working as a key worker to develop outcome‑focused plans and support meaningful, sustained change
* Engaging children with complex needs, including those who may be reluctant to work with services
* Supporting early identification and prevention of offending and serious violence
* Acting as an Appropriate Adult in PACE interviews, working with children in police custody at teachable moments, and contributing to a whole‑family approach that keeps children and victims safe
* Working closely with families, schools, police and partner services to provide wrap‑around, preventative support
About you
You’re passionate about supporting children and young people to thrive, and you believe strongly in seeing children as children. You bring empathy, persistence and professionalism to your work and are confident balancing supportive relationships with clear boundaries.
You’ll ideally have:
* A relevant qualification (such as Youth Work or NVQ Level 4) or equivalent professional experience
* Significant experience working with young people, including those involved in or at risk of the justice system
* Experience of completing assessments, developing plans and delivering targeted interventions
* The ability to engage confidently with children and families who may be resistant to support
* Experience of multi‑agency working and information sharing
You’ll also be organised, adaptable and self‑motivated, able to manage a caseload effectively while working both independently and as part of a supportive team. A commitment to continuous professional development and helping improve outcomes for children in Reading is essential.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
* Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years service, with the option to buy additional leave
* A wide range of flexible working opportunities
* Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
* On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
* Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
J-18808-Ljbffr