Youth Justice Officer

To work restoratively and contribute to the development and implementation of Court Orders and Interventions in line with the requirements under the powers of criminal courts (Sentencing Act 2000) as amended. To deliver services to young people who are remanded either on bail, in the Local Authority’s accommodation, in secure accommodation or in custody, prior to their being sentenced by local Courts. To prepare reports for the Court and Youth Offender Panels in accordance with National Standards on young offenders appearing before the Youth/Crown Court. To manage caseload, in accordance with national and localised standards.

Undertaking thorough and effective assessments of need, risk and circumstances (ASSET Plus) and translating these into effective, innovative and creative Intervention Plans for young people, taking account of risk, safety and wellbeing and the needs and wishes of the person harmed as required. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of work undertaken with young people and their families using the YOS case management system. Undertaking office and Court duty as required. Working closely with a range of external agencies including police, courts, schools, reparation providers and community projects with a view to successful integration of children and young people into their communities.

Job Requirements

• Recent experience of direct work with young people, ideally in the Criminal Justice system.
• A relevant qualification in a discipline involving work with young people or recent experience of direct work with young people and their families involved in criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of current practice and service development issues concerning young people who offend and their families.
• Full working knowledge of legislation relevant to youth offending, eg Crime & Disorder Act 1998, Children’s Act 1998, LASPO 2012 etc.
• Knowledge of the causes of crime and effective methods of reducing offending behaviour.
• Knowledge of Restorative Approaches within a Youth Justice context.
• Understanding of and commitment to implementation of anti-discriminatory practices and equal opportunities policy.
• Ability to undertake well-informed, analytical and personalised assessments of young people who offend (ASSET Plus/ Triage assessment) in a non-discriminatory way.
• Ability to negotiate, develop and implement appropriate plans based on assessed desistance factors, risks and needs of young people, victims, and local communities, considering diversity issues.
• The ability to recognise the impact of offending on the victims of crime.
• The ability to review, monitor and evaluate casework to ensure effective outcomes.

The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.