At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in the justice system through assessments and intervention plans.
- Company: Essex County Council, dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: 6% salary enhancement, flexible working, and inclusive support for carers.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them build a brighter future.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44962 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time | Location: Chelmsford | Working Style: Operational field-based worker | Closing Date: 5th July
Job Purpose
Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting the development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working together with partners delivering a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.
Role Overview
This role is funded through a Ministry of Justice grant delivered in partnership across Essex, Southend and Thurrock Youth Justice Services, focusing on reducing the number of children remanded to custody. The programme strengthens community-based alternatives by providing intensive bail support, enhanced supervision and surveillance, helping courts make informed decisions that keep children safely in the community wherever possible. Working as part of a consortium, the service aims to improve outcomes for children, reduce unnecessary use of custody, and build confidence in robust, multi‑agency approaches to managing risk and supporting rehabilitation.
Accountabilities
- Complete comprehensive and high‑quality assessments of young people using ASSETplus and other approved YJS risk tools in accordance with National and Service standards.
- Create and deliver effective intervention plans that evidence input from young people and parents/carers and utilise all YJS resources, working collaboratively with other partnership providers to access additional services to support the young person and prevent further offending.
- Build effective inter‑agency working relationships, developing an awareness of voluntary and statutory agencies and the opportunities available within the local community.
- Hold a caseload of young people subject to statutory Court orders and Out‑of‑Court Disposal interventions, undertaking direct work to address the criminogenic factors that underpin offending behaviour.
- Ensure risk and safeguarding processes comply with YJS policies and procedures.
- Maintain consistent, accurate and timely record keeping, utilising the Youth Justice case management system (IYSS).
- Achieve specific individual and shared targets and objectives defined annually within the performance management framework.
- Conduct sessions with young people covering lifeskills, offending behaviour, restorative justice and constructive pursuits. These sessions are completed both in the community and at home addresses.
Working Conditions
The role requires working one weekend in four, with a day off both the week before and after the working weekend. It also requires mobility across a wide operational area; the candidate must hold a valid driving licence and either have a car or be able to meet the mobility requirements through other means. A 6% enhancement on salary is provided.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified to NVQ Level 3 (A Level) or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Expert knowledge of the criminogenic factors that underpin young people's offending behaviour and development.
- Experience of working creatively with young people, accounting for their learning needs and stage of development.
- Demonstrable experience of engaging hard‑to‑reach young people and their families/carers.
- Excellent communication skills and IT literacy to ensure high‑quality recording on the YOS case management system.
Benefits
6% salary enhancement, flexible working arrangements, inclusive support for unpaid carers, and other employee benefits.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job, and we welcome veterans, care leavers and candidates with other relevant backgrounds. Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is also committed to interviewing other protected groups in accordance with the law.
Additional Information
If the role required a DBS check, the employee will be required to register with the DBS Update Service and maintain their certificate. For further information on the DBS update service, see https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.
Youth Justice Service Assistant Practitioner in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and compassion within the Youth Justice Service. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment for unpaid carers, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Chelmsford. Join us in creating brighter futures while benefiting from a 6% salary enhancement and opportunities for professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Service Assistant Practitioner in Chelmsford
✨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 Essex County Council.
✨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 Essex County Council!
✨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 Essex County Council, 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 Essex County Council 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 Service Assistant Practitioner in Chelmsford
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 Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Council! 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 Essex County Council
✨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.
