At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with at-risk youth to prevent offending and support positive community contributions.
- Company: Kirklees Youth Justice Service is a collaborative team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Enjoy a range of staff perks and flexible working options to enhance your work-life balance.
- Other info: Interviews will be held the week of 18th August 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive, child-first environment.
- Qualifications: Social work experience and understanding of youth justice practices are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community, to help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.
Kirklees Youth Justice Service (YJS) is a multi-agency partnership comprising social work, health, police, careers, restorative justice, probation and youth justice professionals.
The YJS sits alongside the Youth Engagement Team, which together form the Youth Engagement Service, providing support for children identified at risk of all forms of exploitation, and criminal behaviours. As a Social Worker within the YJS you will be working closely with Youth Engagement Team colleagues and will on occasion be responsible working with children at risk of exploitation as well as offending.
The primary focus of role will be working within the YJS to engage children in the justice system in order to prevent further offending and support them to reach their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
The Youth Justice Service models child-first principles, putting children at the heart of service provision, identifying/tackling the drivers for offending, recognising structural barriers and supporting children to develop pro-social, positive behaviours. We promote children’s individual strengths, building positive relationships and working in a constructive, future focussed way. We promote diversion from the formal justice system where possible, with the majority of the children working with our Service doing so through out of court disposals.
Restorative justice is central to what we do. This means we give victims a voice in our decision making, encourage children to take responsibility for their behaviour and give them an opportunity to make amends.
The Person
We are looking for:
- Social work experience and a good understanding of the social work role within a youth justice setting
- Experience of working positively across a multi-agency team.
- A commitment to equalities and an understand of the structural barriers faced by children in the justice system
- Ability to engage children and families and to work in an inclusive, collaborative and trauma informed way
- Address safety concerns, both for the child’s own safety and wellbeing and that of others
- Knowledge of youth justice practice including relevant legislation, government guidelines and best practice principles
- Ability to use case management systems and procedures and to produce high quality analytical written assessments, plans and interventions.
- Commitment restorative working, taking into account of the views and interests of victims and issues of public safety and confidence
- Experience and understanding of delivering services to those at risk of child exploitation, gang affiliation and criminal influences
- Flexibility, positivity and an ability to work to deadlines
Interviews will held week commencing 18th August 2025
#J-18808-LjbffrSocial Worker - Youth Justice Service employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Youth Justice Service is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by supporting at-risk youth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits and foster a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth, making this a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Youth Justice Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of restorative justice, as this is central to the role. Understanding how to facilitate conversations between victims and offenders can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the youth justice sector. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in youth justice. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can demonstrate your commitment and readiness to engage with the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific case scenarios during your interview. Think about how you would approach various situations involving children at risk, showcasing your problem-solving skills and trauma-informed approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Youth Justice Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Social Worker within the Youth Justice Service. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your social work experience, particularly in youth justice settings. Provide specific examples of how you've worked positively in multi-agency teams and engaged with children and families.
Showcase Your Commitment:Demonstrate your commitment to equalities and understanding of the structural barriers faced by children in the justice system. Use your application to reflect on how you have addressed these issues in your previous roles.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for working with children at risk. Discuss your approach to restorative justice and how you plan to support children in reaching their potential.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Show Your Passion for Youth Justice
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with young people and your commitment to helping them navigate the justice system. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in social work, particularly within youth justice.
✨Demonstrate Multi-Agency Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working in multi-agency teams. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you successfully collaborated with other professionals, such as health workers or police, to support children at risk. This will show your understanding of the importance of teamwork in this role.
✨Understand and Address Structural Barriers
Familiarise yourself with the structural barriers faced by children in the justice system. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you would approach these challenges and support children in overcoming them, demonstrating your commitment to equalities and inclusivity.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to engage with children and families. Think about past experiences where you addressed safety concerns or implemented restorative justice practices, and be ready to share these examples in detail.
