At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in rehabilitation and promote positive change through innovative programmes.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's Youth Justice Service, dedicated to community safety and youth empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career advancement and diverse representation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and contribute to meaningful community initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a commitment to personal growth are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 40777 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council is passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Youth Justice Service Practitioner, your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving.
Your role and responsibilities
- Support young people and their families as part of the MoJ Turnaround programme to prevent youth offending and promote positive change
- Deliver innovative rehabilitation and intervention programs
- Engage with victims of youth offences
- Provide court support services, including weekends and bank holidays (once trained and as required)
- Contribute to community safety initiatives
- Work as part of a close-knit, motivated, and supportive team
- Collaborate with specialist services and multi-agency networks
- Build strong connections with challenging young people
- Demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and a belief in the power of rehabilitation
- Apply strong assessment skills
- Commit to youth justice reform
What you will need
- Excellent information-gathering and analytical skills
- A commitment to your own professional development
The Suffolk Youth Justice Service (SYJS) works with children and young people who are in, or at risk of entering, the Youth Justice System. We also support parents, carers, and victims of youth crime, operating as a multi-agency partnership hosted by Suffolk County Council. Our core aim is to:
- Prevent offending by children and young people
- Protect the public from harm caused by youth offending
- Promote the safety, wellbeing, and future aspirations of the young people we work with
SYJS operates 7 days a week, including evenings until 9pm, and conducts home visits to meet national standards and legislative requirements. As part of the role, you will be expected to:
- Occasionally work evenings and weekends, for which you will be entitled to flexi time or Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
- Participate in a Saturday court rota, for which you will receive additional payment or TOIL, depending on your preference
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
For more information
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Amy Bruce (she/her) by either calling 07784 010608 or emailing amy.bruce@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
- Read the Job and Person Profile
- Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application
- Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP
Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 5 July 2026.
Interview process
Applicants that are shortlisted will participate in a three-stage interview process, comprising of:
- Assessment centre – practice exercise
- Panel Interview
- Young person’s interview panel
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Youth Justice Practitioner - Turnaround in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for Youth Justice Practitioners. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on community impact, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions to youth rehabilitation while enjoying a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the vibrant areas of Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with local communities and drive positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Practitioner - Turnaround in Suffolk
✨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 Suffolk County Council.
✨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 Suffolk County Council!
✨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 Suffolk County Council, 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 Suffolk County Council 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 - Turnaround in Suffolk
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 Suffolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk County Council! 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 Suffolk County Council
✨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.
