At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage caseloads of young offenders and deliver targeted support to help them succeed.
- Company: Join Kent County Council's outstanding Youth Justice Team in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop your skills, and make a real difference in young people's lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across agencies.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that transforms lives and supports youth in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in Youth Justice and skilled in ASSET Plus and report writing.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Connect2Kent exclusively recruits on behalf of Kent County Council (KCC), supporting them with Locum and Permanent recruitment across Qualified Social Work and Unqualified Care roles. With an Ofsted rating of 'Outstanding', KCC offers a supportive, well-structured environment where professionals can make a real impact.
We're currently recruiting for the South Kent Youth Justice Team, based in Ashford, covering Ashford, Dover and Folkestone. Experience in ASSET Plus and Pre-Sentence Court Reports is essential.
Role Purpose
You'll manage a caseload of young offenders, completing assessments, planning interventions, and delivering targeted support to help young people meet the aims of their care plans and court orders.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a diverse caseload - Complete assessments, reviews, sentence planning and reports in line with Youth Justice Board standards.
- Work collaboratively across agencies - Build strong partnerships with Probation, Health, Education, Police, voluntary services and family/carers.
- Deliver interventions - Provide 1:1 or group work to meet statutory requirements and care plan targets.
- Maintain accurate records - Use systems such as CAFIS, ASSET and youth justice databases to ensure up-to-date information.
- Support service development - Assist Senior Practitioners with initiatives, training, supervision and multi-agency coordination.
- Stay up to date with legislation - Ensure practice aligns with current policies relating to Young Offending.
About You
- Experience within Youth Justice or similar statutory services.
- Skilled in ASSET Plus and court-related report writing.
- Confident managing complex caseloads.
- Strong communication and partnership-building skills.
- Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment.
Connect2Kent is a trading style of Commercial Services Kent LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Youth Justice Practitioner in Ashford employer: Connect2Kent
Connect2Kent is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong focus on mentorship and support, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Working in Kings Hill offers the unique advantage of a vibrant community, making it an ideal location for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Practitioner in Ashford
✨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 Connect2Kent.
✨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 Connect2Kent!
✨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 Connect2Kent, 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 Connect2Kent 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 Youth Justice Practitioner in Ashford
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 Connect2Kent:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Kent! 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 Connect2Kent
✨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.
