Embedded CYP Specialist Exploitation Caseworker

We are seeking a highly organised Children and Young Person's Specialist Exploitation Caseworker to work in the St Pauls and Moors Estates in Cheltenham. The postholders will combine their lived experience of overcoming similar barriers to the client group and their professional experience to provide crucial guidance, support, and mentorship to children and young people who are being, or at high risk of being exploited.

Through 1:1 mentoring, you will ensure children and young people are equipped to think critically, assess risk, and make better life choices. You will also support them to overcome personal challenges and achieve personal goals. The resulting mindset shift and confidence makes them more resilient to the risks of becoming involved with substance misuse and/or supply; gangs; exploitation and violence.

We positively encourage applications if you have had personal adverse experiences that make you an 'expert by experience'. This could include experience of the criminal justice system, having served a prison sentence, experience of gang involvement, county lines and criminal exploitation. You will need to demonstrate how your lived experience supports your ability to carry out the role to the benefit of the clients we work with.

• Delivery specialist Exploitation 1 to 1 casework and mentoring to identified at risk young people up to the age of 25 years and their families.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with children and young people to provide emotional support, guidance, and mentorship.
• Address individual needs and challenges, utilising personal experiences, local knowledge, professional skills and St Giles casework and mentoring materials to offer support and intervention.
• Assist children and young people in setting and achieving personal life goals.
• Working alongside statutory organisations such as YST and collaborating with professionals to support and develop strategies to minimise the risk to young people.
• Support clients' attendance to youth court as and when required.
• Maintain a trauma informed approach, that recognises and responds to trauma and amplifies the voices and experiences of children and young people.
• Develop positive, pro-social attitudes, behaviour and social skills with children and young people.
• Safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Provide guidance on resolving interpersonal issues.
• Maintain open and effective communication with mentees, professionals, parents/carers and partners.
• Maintain accurate records (including case notes and engagement data) of interactions, progress, and outcomes in line with St Giles delivery protocols.
• Use data to assess the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as needed.
• Support in the collation of evaluative data (in line with project protocols).
• Promote inclusivity and equity in your role.
• Attend relevant training and workshops to enhance mentoring skills and professional knowledge.

• Relevant direct or indirect experience of the criminal justice system, or lived experience of the issues facing the client group (i.e. involved in gangs, county lines and/or knife crime).
• Experience of working positively with socially excluded children, young people or adults and able to engage successfully despite 'challenging' behaviour.
• Knowledge of the challenges and issues facing vulnerable young people.
• Understanding and demonstration of professional standards and accountability.
• Empathetic and understanding attitude toward young people's needs.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency partners.
• Commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity.
• Excellent record keeping and experience of using case management databases.
• Total commitment to excellent safeguarding practice and understanding of professional boundaries.
• Emotionally resilient.
• Commitment to upholding St Giles core values.

St Giles is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. We prohibit discrimination throughout all stages of the recruitment and compliance with this policy should be aligned with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients. For this role, successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check with Adult/child barred list, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable Children and Adults, in accordance with Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).