At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and families in reducing offending through effective casework and collaboration.
- Company: Birmingham Youth Justice Service, committed to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop specialist knowledge, and work in a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on equality and inclusion in service delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on youth justice while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth justice and strong case management skills required.
Location: Birmingham
Service: Birmingham Youth Justice Service
Contract: Locum / Temporary
Job Purpose
To support the Team Manager and Deputy Team Manager in delivering an effective Youth Justice Service that meets the individual needs of young people and their families, with a focus on reducing and preventing further offending. The postholder will contribute to embedding the Birmingham Children’s Trust Connections Count Practice Model, promote evidence-based practice and develop specialist knowledge within the Youth Justice Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Team Manager and Deputy Team Manager to embed the Connections Count Practice Model across the team.
- Undertake complex Youth Justice casework, ensuring high-quality assessments, interventions and case recording.
- Work collaboratively with young people and families to reduce offending and improve outcomes.
- Work as part of a multi-agency team, partnering with Social Care, Police, Education, Health and other agencies.
- Lead or contribute to quality assurance, case reviews and practice improvement activity.
- Develop areas of specialist expertise and share knowledge to improve Youth Justice practice.
- Provide professional and technical support to less experienced colleagues.
- Assist with the induction and development of new staff.
- Ensure case records are accurate, comprehensive and maintained in accordance with Youth Justice Service requirements.
- Chair meetings, reviews and planning discussions with young people and families where required.
- Lead or support the management of high-profile and complex cases.
- Represent the Youth Justice Service at strategy meetings, professional meetings and multi-agency forums.
- Work with managers to identify service-user needs and develop appropriate evidence-based individual and group interventions.
- Assist managers in monitoring workloads and improving team performance against relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Participate in training and contribute to the ongoing development of the team.
- Deputise for managers when required and support the team with operational issues.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the delivery of services in accordance with Birmingham City Council policies.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience working with young people within Youth Justice / Youth Offending Services.
- Experience managing complex or high-risk cases.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and evidence-based interventions.
- Experience working effectively within multi-agency environments.
- Ability to chair meetings, contribute to professional forums and represent a service confidently.
- Experience supporting colleagues through professional advice, mentoring or practice development.
- Strong case recording, assessment and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines.
- Commitment to strengths-based, relationship-focused practice with young people and families.
YOS Officer - Social Care Qualified in Birmingham employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Social Work Assistant in the Children & Families team, you will benefit from ongoing training and professional growth opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area, our organisation values flexibility and encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land YOS Officer - Social Care Qualified in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to We Do Social Work, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace YOS Officer - Social Care Qualified in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of We Do Social Work. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at We Do Social Work. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Do Social Work
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with We Do Social Work.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary YOS Officer - Social Care Qualified role at We Do Social Work, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show We Do Social Work that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
