At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and families to reduce offending and promote positive change.
- Company: Join an outstanding Youth Justice Service making a real difference in Coventry.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from underrepresented groups to enhance diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers youth and transforms lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or relevant experience in youth work or social services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are embarking on an incredible journey to create a brighter future for Coventry's children. The Youth Justice Service (YJS) is a fast‑paced multi‑agency team consisting of staff from the Local Authority, Police, Probation, Health and Education. Coventry YJS has recently been judged as ‘Outstanding’ by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP).
Our Values are:
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
We work with children and young people aged 10‑18 who have offended, who are subject to court orders and out‑of‑court disposals or are being diverted from the criminal justice system, their families, and the victims of youth crime. Our vision and priorities are aligned with the Youth Justice Board’s ‘Child First, Offender Second’ approach, aspiring to create a youth justice system that sees children as children, treats them fairly and helps them build on their strengths so they can make a constructive contribution to society.
Position: Youth Justice Service Officer Full-time, permanent basis. Your role will be to reduce offending by working directly with children, their families and victims within national and local guidance.
Responsibilities include:
- Casework responsibility, undertaking of complex assessments, and analysing risk.
- Devising and delivering programmes of intervention with young people and their families/carers.
- Working in 1:1 and group settings with young people & families, and other professionals.
- Writing reports to deadlines and at a standard suitable for scrutiny by Courts.
You will need to be educated to degree level and/or able to show relevant experience and ongoing development to a similar level. Work flexibly to meet the needs of children/young people, families & victims; this will mean some evening working. Be on a rota undertaking approximately 9 Saturdays per year. Cover bank holidays (approximately two per year) in line with service requirements. All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and as such, appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Who are we looking for? We are looking for an experienced individual who wants to make a positive difference and has experience, including:
- Casework responsibility, undertaking of complex assessments, and analysing risk.
- Devising and delivering programmes of intervention with young people and their families/carers.
- Working in 1:1 and group settings with young people & families, and other professionals.
- Writing reports to deadlines and at a standard suitable for scrutiny by Courts.
The children, families and young people we work with come from a variety of backgrounds and it is vital that we have a workforce that represents and understands their unique experiences and perspectives. Within our team, men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are currently under‑represented; as a result, we would like to encourage both men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for this post. This does not prevent individuals with other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- People currently in care or who have previously been in care
- People who consider themselves to be disabled or who have a long‑term health condition
Youth Justice Services Officer in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Join Coventry's Youth Justice Service, an outstanding multi-agency team dedicated to creating a brighter future for children and young people. We foster a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering opportunities for professional growth while empowering our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to nurturing talent, we are an excellent employer for those passionate about youth justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Services Officer in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Youth Justice sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Youth Justice Service's values and recent achievements. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to support children and families. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your casework scenarios! Think about how you'd handle complex assessments or devise intervention programmes. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress interviewers and show you're ready for the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Coventry YJS.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Services Officer in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a positive impact in their lives and understand the challenges they face.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in casework and assessments. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've worked with young people and families, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:When it comes to writing reports or any part of your application, clarity is key. We need to know you can communicate effectively, especially since your work will involve writing for court scrutiny. Keep it straightforward and professional.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the values of the Youth Justice Service. Think about how your personal values align with theirs, especially around fairness, empowerment, and innovation. Be ready to share examples from your experience that demonstrate these values in action.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your casework experience, particularly those involving complex assessments and risk analysis. Highlight any programmes you've devised or delivered, and be ready to discuss how you engaged with young people and their families. This will show that you understand the role and its responsibilities.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working evenings and weekends, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt your schedule. Share any previous experiences where you had to be flexible to meet the needs of clients or projects, as this will reflect your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Report Writing
As writing reports is a key part of the job, brush up on your report-writing skills before the interview. Consider bringing a sample report (with sensitive information redacted) to discuss. This will not only showcase your writing ability but also your understanding of the standards required for court scrutiny.
