At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in overcoming challenges and achieving their potential through mentoring and intervention.
- Company: Join Together for Children Sunderland, an outstanding service dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in youth justice or social care and experience working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 40777 £ per year.
Grade 7 (SCP 26-30) £37,280 - £40,777 per annum
Fixed term until March 2029
Full time 37 hpw
Alternative Provision Settings and locations across Sunderland
Join our Team
Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service, if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
As a Youth Justice Worker within the APST, you will provide specialist expertise in youth justice, contextual safeguarding, exploitation, serious violence and risk-taking behaviour. You will work directly with children, young people, families, schools and partner agencies to prevent offending, reduce vulnerability and improve educational engagement. You will support children and young people who are attending Alternative Provision, at risk of exclusion, disengaged from education or vulnerable to involvement in crime, exploitation and serious violence.
Working as part of a co-located, multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute to coordinated assessments and intervention plans that address the underlying factors affecting a child’s education and wellbeing. The role involves delivering mentoring, motivational and restorative interventions, helping young people build resilience, make positive choices and develop the skills needed to succeed. You will also work closely with schools, social care, police, health services and community organisations to reduce risk, improve outcomes and strengthen prevention across the city. You will act as a vital link between the APST and Youth Justice Service, supporting effective information sharing, coordinated intervention and strong multi-agency practice.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.
Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.
We want you to apply if you:
- You will have a professional qualification relevant to youth justice, youth work, criminal justice, probation, social care or a related discipline, alongside experience of youth offending casework and working directly with young people and their families.
- You will understand youth justice legislation, safeguarding, contextual safeguarding and restorative approaches, and have experience of working effectively across multiple agencies.
- Strong assessment skills, the ability to engage hard-to-reach young people and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Knowledge of attendance, inclusion, Alternative Provision, SEND and neurodiversity would be particularly valuable, alongside experience of supporting young people into education, training, employment or apprenticeships.
Most importantly, you will be committed to helping children and young people realise their potential and achieve positive, long-term outcomes.
If you are passionate about supporting young people to stay safe, engage in education and build successful futures, we would love to hear from you. Join us and help ensure Sunderland’s children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, to thrive.
This is a fixed-term role funded until March 2029 and offers an opportunity to help shape an innovative service at the forefront of Sunderland’s inclusion and prevention agenda.
Candidates are encouraged to attend one of three informal information sessions to find out more about the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce:
- Thursday 20 August 2026 at 10.00 am — Teams
- Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 4.00 pm — Teams
- Monday 7 September 2026 at 3.00 pm — Teams
Why work with us?
- Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
- Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
- Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
- Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
- Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
- Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards.
What our team think:
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead inclusion@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Youth Justice Practitioner - Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST) in Sunderland employer: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Practitioner - Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST) in Sunderland
✨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 North East Combined Authority.
✨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 North East Combined Authority!
✨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 North East Combined Authority, 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 North East Combined Authority 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 Practitioner - Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST) in Sunderland
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 North East Combined Authority:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Combined Authority! 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 North East Combined Authority
✨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.
