Overview
Turnaround is a recognised early intervention programme supporting children and young people aged 10-17 who are at risk of entering the youth justice system. Participation is voluntary and focused on diverting children away from formal criminal justice processes who are on the cusp of the youth justice system, often following low level police contact or repeated anti-social behaviour. Using a timely, child-first, strengths-based approach, Turnaround addresses underlying needs such as wellbeing, mental health, education and community connections. Practitioners build trusted relationships with children and families, coordinate multi-agency support, and deliver creative, evidence-informed interventions to improve outcomes and reduce future offending.
Responsibilities
You will undertake robust assessments, arrange and complete home visits, analyse risk and need, and deliver structured, strengths-based interventions tailored to each child. The role requires strong case management skills, accurate and timely recording, and effective multi-agency liaison, alongside meaningful direct work with children and their families.
Qualifications and Skills
* Relevant qualification, degree level preferably, in a relevant subject, or demonstrable experience in a paid or unpaid capacity of providing support to people in stressful and difficult situations.
* Demonstrable experience of working with families in crisis in order to provide support, especially those with complex and chronic difficulties.
* Experience of working in a team environment and multi-agency working.
* Ability to listen to adults and children who have experienced trauma and have complex needs, and to use excellent interpersonal skills to build an effective relationship with the families.
* Analytical and judgmental skills to interpret complex situations and information from families to make assessments.
* Excellent crisis management skills with the ability to recognize the individual needs of families.
* Ability to create an environment where families are empowered to make positive change.
* Ability to build rapport quickly with people participating in services and remain up to date with changes in best practice and available support mechanisms.
* Ability to accurately record information in Excel spreadsheets and web databases. Ability to use a variety of screening tools.
* Experience of interpreting families\ needs and assisting families to access appropriate support services.
* Valid and full driving licence
About West Sussex Youth Justice Service
West Sussex Youth Justice Service (YJS) is a high-performing statutory multi-agency partnership delivering pre- and post-court services, with a core aim of preventing offending and reducing reoffending by children.
Location and travel
Office Base: Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton, with the ability to travel independently. The use of Arun Civic Centre is initially expected to be in place for three years to April 2029. The substantive hub for the service is Worthing, and there is potential for relocation to Worthing in the future.
Work arrangements
We are seeking dedicated professionals with strong assessment and professional judgment skills, who are confident in managing caseloads with a high level of autonomy and under limited supervision. The ability to engage children effectively and apply creative and responsive intervention approaches is essential. You will demonstrate strong communication skills, using active listening, professional curiosity and emotional resilience to build trusting relationships. A sound understanding of partnership working is also key, enabling you to collaborate effectively with a range of agencies to secure the best possible outcomes for young people. You will occasionally be required to engage with children, young people and families outside of standard school or working hours to ensure the service remains accessible, responsive and effective.
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