At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and families to reduce offending and promote positive change.
- Company: Coventry City Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and contribute to community safety.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or relevant experience in youth work or social services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
At Coventry City Council, the Youth Justice Service (YJS) is a fast-paced multi-agency team that includes staff from the Local Authority, Police, Probation, Health and Education. Coventry YJS works 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. We value diverse perspectives and strive for an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and bias. Our vision aligns with the Youth Justice Board’s approach to treat children as children, ensure fairness, and help them build on their strengths so they can contribute to society.
Values
- 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.
Job role
We are recruiting for a Youth Justice Services Officer. Your role will be to reduce offending by working directly with children, their families and victims within national and local guidance. 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 appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check.
Who we are looking for
An experienced individual who wants to make a positive difference with experience including:
- Casework responsibility, undertaking 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 to a standard suitable for scrutiny by the Courts.
- Educated to degree level and/or able to show relevant experience and ongoing development to a similar level.
What you will need to do
- Work flexibly to meet the needs of children/young people, families & victims; some evening working may be required.
- Be on a rota undertaking approximately 9 Saturdays per year.
- Cover bank holidays (approximately two per year) in line with service requirements.
Our people and inclusion
The children, families and young people we work with come from diverse backgrounds; to deliver the best care, we need a workforce that represents and understands their experiences. Within our team, men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented; we encourage applications from men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds. This does not prevent applications from other protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010.
How to discuss the role
For an informal conversation about this challenging and rewarding role, please contact: Lesa Arms - Youth Justice Team Manager, Lesa.arms@coventry.gov.uk; Sabrina Sandhu – Youth Justice Senior Practitioner, Sabrina.sandhu@coventry.gov.uk.
Application guidance
When applying, your Personal Statement must evidence how you meet all points of the Person Specification. If you need help to complete your application, visit the accessibility page for assistance. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for specific groups of people who meet minimum requirements and identify with one of the following criteria: members of the Armed Forces and veterans; currently in care or previously in care; if you consider yourself disabled or have a long-term health condition. For full details, read the Coventry City Council Application Process on the jobs page. If there is evidence that a candidate used AI to complete their application, the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification that the Council considers reasonable. Interview date: 17th April 2026.
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit. We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. Coventry currently employs around 5,100 staff and is committed to excellence in everything we do. If you join us, you will be part of a team delivering excellent services to residents. For more information about rewards and benefits, please visit Coventry City Council vacancies page.
Youth Justice Service Officer employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Service Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Youth Justice field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Coventry City Council and the Youth Justice Service thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of helping young people. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your experience! When you get the chance to speak about your past roles, highlight your casework, assessments, and any innovative programmes you've delivered. Make it clear how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can easily track your application status and find more opportunities that match your skills and passion for youth justice.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Service Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure your personal statement is tailored to the role of Youth Justice Service Officer. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the values of Coventry City Council, especially around fairness and empowerment.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on casework responsibility and any complex assessments you've undertaken. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in similar roles, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, your reports need to meet court standards, so clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Youth Justice Service Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the Youth Justice Board’s approach and the specific challenges faced by young people in the justice system. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous casework experience, especially any complex assessments you've undertaken. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with young people and their families, as well as how you've delivered effective intervention programmes.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the diverse backgrounds of the children and families you'll be working with, it's crucial to highlight your commitment to inclusivity. Share any experiences where you've worked with underrepresented groups or adapted your approach to meet diverse needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for professional development, or how the council measures success in youth justice. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.