At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage children in the youth justice system, building positive relationships.
- Company: Join Staffordshire Youth Justice Service, a supportive and inclusive team.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and flexible working.
- Other info: Patience and resilience needed; rewarding work with a focus on child development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families; no formal qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Staffordshire Youth Justice Service (SYJS) is looking to recruit to the post of Staffordshire Youth Offending Service (SYOS) Practitioner based in the South Hub in the Lichfield office. The South Hub covers the areas of Stafford, Cannock, South Staffs, Lichfield, Tamworth and Burton. Our service works with children that have been referred by Police/other agencies due to concern about potential involvement in criminal behaviour (Prevention), by the Police to be considered for Out of Court resolutions, been through the Court system and given a community order and those children that have been received custodial sentences. We are an established team that is experienced in supporting children in various stages of the justice system. We welcome the opportunity to learn from new members of staff and the different experiences and knowledge they bring. This is a full time (37 hours) permanent role.
Main Responsibilities
- Support and manage children subject to out of court disposal and community based sentences.
- Be expected to form positive working relationships with complex and often neurodiverse children.
- Act as duty officer and appropriate adult in line with service requirements, providing cover at both local police stations and secure estates.
- Complete, maintain and review appropriate records on SYJS recording systems.
- Complete high quality and timely assessment (Asset Plus and PDAT) and write reports for Referral Order panel and community option Court reports.
- Engage in regular supervision/discussion with the Senior Practitioner (South Hub).
- Contribute to the development of Child First and Trauma informed practice.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience of working with children and families and ability to develop positive working relationships.
- Knowledge and understanding of legislation applicable to the Youth Justice sector.
- Understanding of the effect of trauma in childhood and the impact on child development.
- Proven track record of using assessment, planning and review process in meeting the needs of children and families and public protection.
- Ability to write and maintain accurate records and analytical assessments.
- A flexible approach, seeing children when they are available, in a variety of settings including home visits.
- There is an expectation of evening and occasionally weekend working.
- An opportunity to plan your diary to be as effective as possible, with a mix of working at the Lichfield office base, locations within the South Hub and home if appropriate.
- Be supporting children working with our service who often have had difficult experiences and require understanding and motivation to achieve their capabilities.
The role requires patience, understanding and resilience. It can be frustrating on occasions but rewarding. You will be an integral part of our team trying to improve the opportunities of children who often feel left behind and not listened to. You do not need to hold a professional qualification but a willingness to work towards Youth Justice Qualifications and ongoing professional development is a must. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Youth Justice Practitioner employer: Job Search Place Limited
Staffordshire Youth Justice Service (SYJS) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to pursue Youth Justice Qualifications while working collaboratively within a passionate team committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children in the community. Located in Lichfield, the role offers flexibility in working arrangements, allowing practitioners to engage with children in various settings, making it a rewarding opportunity for those looking to contribute meaningfully to youth justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Practitioner
✨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 put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to youth justice. Think about your experiences working with children and how you can demonstrate your understanding of trauma-informed practices. We want to see your passion and commitment!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your flexibility! Highlight your willingness to work evenings and weekends, as well as your ability to adapt to different settings. This role is all about meeting children where they are, so let that shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Youth Justice Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the skills needed. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Be Personal:When writing your application, don’t just list your qualifications. Share your experiences and how they relate to working with children and families. We want to see your personality shine through and how you can connect with the kids we support.
Show Your Understanding:Make sure to highlight your knowledge of youth justice legislation and trauma-informed practices. This shows us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you also understand the complexities involved in supporting children in the justice system.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the legislation relevant to the Youth Justice sector. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'out of court disposal' and 'community-based sentences'. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the context in which you'll be working.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children and families. Think of specific examples where you've built positive relationships or supported children through challenging situations. This will help demonstrate your ability to connect with the complex and often neurodiverse children you'll be working with.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Highlight your willingness to adapt your schedule to meet the needs of the children. Mention any past experiences where you've had to work evenings or weekends, as this role requires a flexible approach. It shows that you're committed to making a difference, no matter the time or place.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think about how you would handle difficult situations with children who have experienced trauma. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your understanding of trauma-informed practice.
