At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people aged 10-17 at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
- Company: Join Havering Council's dedicated Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a competitive salary and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, for a dynamic work experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 the Turnaround Programme funded by the Ministry of Justice. You will adopt a trauma‑informed, systemic approach and work within a multi‑agency team, 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 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 delivering early intervention and diversion work, including the Turnaround Programme.
- 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 a related field.
Working Pattern
36 hours per week, including evenings and weekends (e.g., late afternoons and rota Saturdays).
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.
Targeted Youth Justice Worker employer: London Borough of Havering
Havering Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, particularly through its Integrated Adolescent Safeguarding Service. With a strong commitment to equality and diversity, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration within a multi-agency team. This role offers the unique opportunity to engage directly with vulnerable young people, providing meaningful support while contributing to their positive pathways into adulthood.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Targeted Youth Justice Worker
✨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 London Borough of Havering.
✨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 London Borough of Havering!
✨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 London Borough of Havering, 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 London Borough of Havering 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 Targeted Youth Justice Worker
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 London Borough of Havering:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Havering! 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 London Borough of Havering
✨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.
