At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and rehabilitate young people in custody, ensuring their safety and development.
- Company: Join the Youth Custody Service, dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with training and a clear path for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while building your career in a meaningful field.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with strong communication skills and empathy for vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 27776 - 30354 £ per year.
The Youth Custody Service is looking for a Youth Justice Worker to support children and young people in custody. The role is similar to that of a prison officer but focused on safeguarding, rehabilitation and supporting vulnerable young individuals.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the security and safety of children and young people in a custodial setting.
- Provide day‑to‑day support, interventions, and supervision to meet the needs and manage behaviour of young people.
- Oversee safe movement around the site and facilitate safe transport and transfer procedures.
- Collaborate with families, carers, and other professionals to agree on interventions or referrals that support the young person’s needs.
- Apply conflict‑resolution techniques, de‑escalate situations and implement child‑protective measures.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records and ensure compliance with safeguarding policy.
- Diligently support the development of young people to help them build a better future.
Key Qualifications
- Minimum age 18 years at commencement of employment.
- Valid right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
- Strong communication, influencing, and decision‑making skills.
- Empathy, understanding and the ability to work with vulnerable children and young people.
- Ability to work within the safeguarding and child‑protection framework.
- Physical fitness meeting UK medical and fitness assessment standards (eyesight, hearing, general health).
- DBS check and suitability for a custodial environment.
Training and Career Progression
Following a 12‑month probationary period you will be invited to undertake a Level 4 Qualification focused on working with children and young people in custody. Successful completion allows progression to a Band 4 Youth Justice Worker Specialist role.
Working Hours and Salary
Initial training period: 37 hours per week. Post‑training options: 37, 39 or 41 hours per week, with corresponding annual salaries (37 hrs = £33,746; 39 hrs = £35,875; 41 hrs = £38,003). Standard shift pattern: 39 hours per week with evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays; shift start and finish times are fixed. Annual holiday: 25 days (increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service), plus paid public holidays and an extra privilege day. Additional benefits: Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution), cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loan and other employee benefits.
Additional Requirements
- Strong command of spoken English (Welsh speaking skills may be required for some posts).
- Compliance with all safeguarding policies of the organisation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a suitable standard of hearing (no hearing aids).
- All candidates must meet the required eyesight standard with and without corrective lenses.
Equality and Diversity Statement
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, nationality, gender or any other status is prohibited. The MoJ is a Disability Confident employer and provides reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. All promotions and decisions are made on the basis of competence and promotion potential.
youth justice worker in Peterborough employer: Ministry of Justice
The Youth Custody Service is an exceptional employer dedicated to the rehabilitation and support of vulnerable young individuals. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to progress through structured training and gain valuable qualifications in youth justice. Our inclusive work culture prioritises safeguarding and diversity, ensuring that every team member feels valued while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land youth justice worker in Peterborough
✨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 Ministry of Justice.
✨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 Ministry of Justice!
✨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 Ministry of Justice, 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 Ministry of Justice 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 worker in Peterborough
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 Ministry of Justice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ministry of Justice! 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 Ministry of Justice
✨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.
