Children’s Services – Integrated Adolescent Safeguarding Service (IASS), Youth Justice Service
Grade 6 | Full-time (36 hours per week)
3 year fixed term contract/Secondment Opportunity
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and committed Targeted Youth Justice Worker to join our Youth Justice Service. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference supporting children and young people aged 10–17 at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
You will play a key role in delivering early intervention, diversion, and prevention work, including involvement in the Turnaround Programme (funded by the Ministry of Justice), supporting young people to address risk factors, build resilience, and achieve positive outcomes.
Working within a multi‑agency team, you will adopt a trauma‑informed and systemic approach, ensuring young people and their families receive high‑quality, tailored support.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver direct casework for young people referred for diversion, including Out of Court Disposals and the Turnaround Programme
- Build trusting, meaningful relationships with young people and their wider networks
- Assess need and risk, and develop outcome‑focused intervention plans
- Provide 1:1 and group interventions to reduce offending, exploitation, and harm
- Deliver restorative justice activities
- Work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners to safeguard and support young people
- Advocate for young people, ensuring their voices and lived experiences shape interventions
- Support parents and carers to improve family outcomes
- Maintain accurate, high‑quality case records and contribute to service performance targets
- Promote prevention, safeguarding, and positive pathways into adulthood
About You
We are looking for a motivated professional who is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
- Experience working with children and young people with complex needs and vulnerabilities
- Experience of delivering early intervention and diversion work, including familiarity with the Turnaround Programme (Ministry of Justice funded)
- Strong understanding of contextual risk factors such as exploitation, substance misuse, and offending behaviour
- Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and adolescent development
- Experience of risk assessment, safeguarding, and child protection processes
- Ability to engage and build relationships with young people and families
- Strong communication, recording, and partnership‑working skills
Qualifications
- Relevant qualification (minimum Diploma level or equivalent) in Youth Work, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Justice, or related field
Working Pattern
- 36 hours per week
- Includes evening and weekend work (e.g., late afternoons and rota Saturdays)
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a forward‑thinking Youth Justice Service delivering innovative programmes such as the MoJ‑funded Turnaround Programme
- Work within a supportive multi‑agency environment committed to safeguarding and positive change
- Opportunity to influence real outcomes for young people and communities
- Access to ongoing training and professional development
Our Commitment
Havering Council is committed to equality, diversity and safeguarding. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Location: Town Hall, Romford, Essex, RM1 3BB, United Kingdom
Closing date for applications: 29/6/26 (vacancy may close early).
Contact Details:
Havering Education Services Recruitment Team
