At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 10-17 at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Havering's Youth Justice Service.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, professional development, and a supportive multi-agency environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and communities.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 207 - 207 £ per hour.
We are seeking a passionate and committed Targeted Youth Justice Worker to join our Youth Justice Service. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference supporting children and young people aged 10–17 at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
You will play a key role in delivering early intervention, diversion, and prevention work, including involvement in the Turnaround Programme (funded by the Ministry of Justice), supporting young people to address risk factors, build resilience, and achieve positive outcomes. Working within a multi-agency team, you will adopt a trauma-informed and systemic approach, ensuring young people and their families receive high-quality, tailored support.
Key Responsibilities- Deliver direct casework for young people referred for diversion, including Out of Court Disposals and the Turnaround Programme
- Build trusting, meaningful relationships with young people and their wider networks
- Assess need and risk, and develop outcome-focused intervention plans
- Provide 1:1 and group interventions to reduce offending, exploitation, and harm
- Deliver restorative justice activities
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to safeguard and support young people
- Advocate for young people, ensuring their voices and lived experiences shape interventions
- Support parents and carers to improve family outcomes
- Maintain accurate, high-quality case records and contribute to service performance targets
- Promote prevention, safeguarding, and positive pathways into adulthood
We are looking for a motivated professional who is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Essential Experience & Knowledge- Experience working with children and young people with complex needs and vulnerabilities
- Experience of delivering early intervention and diversion work, including familiarity with the Turnaround Programme (Ministry of Justice funded)
- Strong understanding of contextual risk factors such as exploitation, substance misuse, and offending behaviour
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and adolescent development
- Experience of risk assessment, safeguarding, and child protection processes
- Ability to engage and build relationships with young people and families
- Strong communication, recording, and partnership-working skills
Relevant qualification (minimum Diploma level or equivalent) in Youth Work, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Justice, or related field.
Working Pattern36 hours per week, includes evening and weekend work (e.g., late afternoons and rota Saturdays).
Why Join Us?- Be part of a forward-thinking Youth Justice Service delivering innovative programmes such as the MoJ-funded Turnaround Programme
- Work within a supportive multi-agency environment committed to safeguarding and positive change
- Opportunity to influence real outcomes for young people and communities
- Access to ongoing training and professional development
Havering Council is committed to equality, diversity and safeguarding. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to protecting children and vulnerable adults.
If you are passionate about supporting young people to thrive and reduce offending, we would love to hear from you.
Please view Job Profile here. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Julie.meek@havering.gov.uk. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29/6/26; however, interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early. You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Targeted Youth Justice Worker in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Join the London Borough of Havering as a Targeted Youth Justice Worker and be part of a dedicated team making a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. Our supportive work culture prioritises professional development and collaboration, allowing you to engage in innovative programmes like the MoJ-funded Turnaround Programme. With a commitment to equality and safeguarding, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions can lead to meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Targeted Youth Justice Worker in Romford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Havering.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Havering!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Havering, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Havering or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Targeted Youth Justice Worker in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Havering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Havering! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
