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- Tasks: Support youth justice by working directly with young people and their families.
- Company: Join West Mercia Youth Justice Service, a leader in inclusive youth justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, generous pension, health perks, and gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping future justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity await you.
The predicted salary is between 40383 - 42612 £ per year.
We are on a journey to shape the future of youth justice in our three counties and we want you to be part of it. We value difference and believe in creating an inclusive working environment where our employees feel safe to make suggestions and voice their opinions.
West Mercia Youth Justice Service operates across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire, covering a youth population of approximately 112,000 to 17 year olds. The service is hosted by the Office of the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner on behalf of the four local authorities and is currently the only youth justice service in such a hosting arrangement nationally. Services are delivered from multi-disciplinary teams aligned to the four local authority areas.
The main purpose of the Senior Practitioner role is to maintain a limited caseload and undertake direct work with children, young people, their families and the victims of youth crime. To assist and support the Team Manager in the management and supervision of operational staff and to take a local lead on improvements to the quality of frontline practice. The Senior Practitioner role is a hybrid role (mix of home & office working).
The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Tuesday 27th January 2026.
Why work for us?
- 28 days Annual leave (increasing to 33 after 5 years service) + bank holidays.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Health and wellbeing, occupational health services, staff network and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Police Mutual, affordable private healthcare and other savings.
- Gym membership discounts.
- Discounts on Electric Vehicles and Cycle to work scheme.
- Register for a Blue light card – over 15,000 discounts from large national retailers.
We embrace diversity and welcome applications from everyone. We are also happy to talk flexible working where it is suitable for the role. If you require any support to complete your application or you have any questions please contact the recruitment team.
Internal applicants who are in need of redeployment will be offered positions ahead of other candidates, subject to them passing a selection process. We know that people from underrepresented backgrounds may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. We don’t want that to be a barrier for suitable candidates. If you meet the majority of the criteria and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can thrive.
Photo ID will be required at interview.
Senior Practitioner in Shrewsbury employer: West Mercia Police
Contact Detail:
West Mercia Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the youth justice field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to youth justice and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, use specific situations where you made a difference in youth justice. This not only highlights your expertise but also demonstrates your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit that application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Senior Practitioner role. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping the future of youth justice!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps streamline the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Mercia Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Senior Practitioner and the specific challenges faced in youth justice. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as maintaining a caseload and working directly with young people and their families. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in youth work or related fields. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, especially in managing cases or leading teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since the organisation values diversity and inclusivity, be ready to talk about how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Share any experiences you have in working with diverse groups and how you’ve supported underrepresented individuals in your past roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the organisation measures success in frontline practice. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
