At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in the Youth Justice System to achieve positive outcomes and ensure their safety.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on empowering children and preventing criminalisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a diverse range of employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working collaboratively with various agencies.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with strong communication skills and a commitment to safeguarding children.
- Other info: Interviews held in person; apply now to start your impactful career!
An exciting opportunity to work with children in the Youth Justice System and contribute to their safety and wellbeing and support them in achieving positive outcomes. The Youth Justice Service is part of specialist services with a remit to support children who are involved within the criminal justice system and where possible divert them from becoming criminalised. As a statutory service responsible for delivering the Youth Justice Boards (YJB) national objectives, we work with complex children with a range of needs. We seek to empower children to make change whilst being safe from criminal exploitation, achieving positive outcomes and having their basic needs met.
As a Youth Justice Worker you will be part of a committed, experienced and dedicated team who seek to engage children using Child First principles and trauma informed practice. You will work to ensure that under 18’s are seen as children within the criminal justice system whilst maintaining supervision standards that meet national requirements as set out in accordance with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the Children’s Act 1989 and associated legislation. This includes assessment, report writing and direct work with children with complex needs, including those at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation and those who present the highest risk to the community.
This role requires you to work across the county as well as in your locality team to actively support children within the Youth Justice Service. You can think creatively to engage children and support them in understanding the impact of their behaviours on themselves, victims and the wider community. We adopt a strengths-based practice approach and seek to engage children in a meaningful way through diversionary activities and opportunities for them. You will support children whilst ensuring key performance indicators for both the YJS and the East Sussex County Council are met. This gives the role holder the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and their future outcomes.
It involves working in partnership with police, schools, courts, mental health services, children’s social care, colleges, alternative education providers and commissioned services to ensure that YJS children can access the same opportunities as their peers.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Are motivated and committed to working to safeguard children.
- Are committed to professional development.
- Have good written and oral communication skills that support good assessment, analysis and sound evidenced based decision-making skills.
- Have the ability to relate effectively to children and their families.
- Have the ability to work constructively with colleagues in other teams/agencies whilst providing appropriate challenge when required.
Please click the 'apply now' button to complete the online application form detailing how you meet the essential criteria and personal specification. Interviews will take place in person at our office in Hampden Park, Eastbourne within one week of closing date. An opportunity to advance professional development by completing the Professional Certificate in Effective Practice (Youth Justice). We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Jonathan Emanuel, Practice Manager, at jonathan.emanuel@eastsussex.gov.uk or 07795 012830.
Youth Justice Worker employer: East Sussex County Council

Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Youth Justice System and its principles. Understanding the Child First approach and trauma-informed practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding children.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in youth justice or related fields. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations when applying for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios during your interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children at risk, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to relate to their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local community and the specific challenges faced by children in the Youth Justice System in East Sussex. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you are proactive and invested in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Youth Justice Worker. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous work or volunteer experience with children, particularly in challenging environments. Mention specific examples where you have made a positive impact.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since good written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free from errors. Use clear language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Show Commitment to Professional Development: Mention any relevant training or courses you have completed, especially those related to youth justice or safeguarding. Express your eagerness to continue learning and developing professionally in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Understand the Youth Justice System
Familiarise yourself with the key principles of the Youth Justice System, including the Child First approach and trauma-informed practice. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding children and your understanding of their unique needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with children and families in the past. Highlight your written and oral communication skills, as these are crucial for assessment and report writing in this role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working with other agencies and teams. Emphasise your ability to collaborate constructively while also providing appropriate challenge when necessary, as this is vital for supporting children in the Youth Justice Service.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may present hypothetical situations involving children with complex needs. Think creatively about how you would engage them and support their understanding of their behaviours, as this reflects the strengths-based practice approach sought by the organisation.