At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage children in the youth justice system, building positive relationships.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council's Youth Justice Service, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, competitive salary, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers young people and transforms lives.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification or significant experience in youth justice or social care.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Youth Justice Service (SYJS) is looking to recruit to two Officer posts. Our service works with children (10-18) that have been referred by Police/other agencies due to concern about potential involvement in criminal behaviour (Prevention), by the Police to be considered for Out of Court resolutions, been through the Court system and given a community order and those children that have been received custodial sentences. We are an established team that is experienced in supporting children in various stages of the justice system. We welcome the opportunity to learn from new members of staff and the different experiences and knowledge they bring. Both roles are full time (37 hours) permanent roles and are based in the South Hub at the Lichfield office. The South Hub covers the areas of Stafford, Cannock, South Staffs, Lichfield, Tamworth and Burton.
Main Responsibilities
- Support and manage children subject to out of court disposals, community-based sentences and those in a custodial setting.
- Be expected to form positive working relationships with complex and often neurodiverse children.
- Act as Court Officer, duty officer and appropriate adult in line with service requirements, providing cover at both local police stations and secure estates.
- Complete, maintain and review appropriate records on SYJS recording systems.
- Complete high quality and timely assessments (Asset Plus and PDAT) and write reports for Court (Pre-Sentence reports including custodial option) and Referral Order Initial and Reviews.
- Engage in regular supervision/discussion with the Operations Manager (South Hub).
- Contribute to the development of Child First and Trauma informed practice.
The Ideal Candidate
- A relevant professional qualification: e.g. DipSw / CQSW or Dip PS, Degree in Youth Justice OR significant relevant experience within Youth Offending or Children’s Social Care.
- Experience of working with children and families with the ability to develop positive working relationships.
- Knowledge and understanding of legislation applicable to the Youth Justice sector.
- Understanding of the effect of trauma in childhood and the impact on child development.
- Proven track record of using assessment, planning and review process in meeting the needs of children and families and public protection.
- Ability to write and maintain accurate records and analytical assessments.
- A flexible approach, seeing children when they are available, in a variety of settings including home visits.
- There is an expectation of evening and Saturday/Bank Holiday Court cover working (on rota basis).
- An opportunity to plan your diary to be as effective as possible, with a mix of working at the Lichfield office base, locations within the South Hub and home if appropriate.
- Ability to support children working with our service who often have had difficult experiences and require understanding and motivation to achieve their capabilities.
The role requires patience, understanding and resilience. It can be frustrating on occasions but rewarding. You will be an integral part of our team trying to improve the opportunities of children who often feel left behind and not listened to.
We are advertising this role with the job title of a Youth Justice Officer, however the job description and the actual job title of the role is YOS Officer.
Shortlisting will commence week beginning Monday 10th August 20226. Interview dates provisionally Thursday 20th August and/or Friday 21st August 2026.
Our Recruitment Process
We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role. Please note: The minimum essential criteria in the ideal section detailed above will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council: The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy: We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire.
As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities. As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
As you’ll know safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people/vulnerable adults is important to us and that’s why this position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable you should disclose details of unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.
Youth Justice Officer in Lichfield employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Officer in Lichfield
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 Officer in Lichfield
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
