At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage children aged 10-18 in the Youth Justice system.
- Company: Staffordshire County Council, committed to equal opportunities.
- Benefits: Full-time role with professional development and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to grow your career in a meaningful field.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families; willingness to learn about Youth Justice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Youth Justice Service (SYJS) is looking to recruit a SYOS Practitioner based in the South Hub in the Lichfield office. The South Hub covers Stafford, Cannock, South Staffs, Lichfield, Tamworth, and Burton. This role supports children aged 10-18 who have been referred by Police/other agencies due to potential criminal behaviour, considered for Out of Court resolutions, or have been through the Court system with community orders or custodial sentences. Full time (37 hours) permanent role.
Responsibilities
- Support and manage children subject to out of court disposal and community based sentences.
- Form positive working relationships with complex and often neurodiverse children.
- Act as duty officer and appropriate adult in line with service requirements, providing cover at 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 Referral Order panel and community option Court reports.
- Engage in regular supervision/discussion with the Senior Practitioner (South Hub).
- Contribute to the development of Child First and trauma‑informed practice.
Ideal Candidate
- Experience working with children and families and 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 its impact on child development.
- Proven track record of using assessment, planning and review processes to meet the needs of children, families and public protection.
- Ability to write and maintain accurate records and analytical assessments.
- Flexible approach, seeing children in various settings including home visits; willingness for evening and occasional weekend work.
- Capacity to plan diary effectively across Lichfield office base, South Hub locations and home as appropriate.
- Support children who have had difficult experiences, requiring understanding and motivation to achieve capabilities.
You do not need to hold a professional qualification, but a willingness to work towards Youth Justice Qualifications and ongoing professional development is a must. We are an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and communities. A guaranteed interview is offered to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post. A criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required.
Youth Justice Practitioner employer: WMJobs
Staffordshire County Council offers a supportive and inclusive work environment for Youth Justice Practitioners, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in the community. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to trauma-informed practices, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while working collaboratively across various locations in the South Hub. The council values diversity and provides equal opportunities, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Justice Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Youth Justice sector, 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 latest trends in youth justice and understanding the specific challenges faced by children in your area. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with children and families in your conversations. Share specific examples of how you've built positive relationships and supported young people through tough times. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Justice Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Youth Justice Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past work, focus on your experience with children and families. Share specific examples of how you've built positive relationships and supported those facing challenges, as this is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for supporting young people shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures it gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all applicants. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the legislation relevant to the Youth Justice sector. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'out of court resolutions' and 'community orders'. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the context in which you'll be working.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with children and families. Highlight any situations where you've worked with neurodiverse individuals or dealt with trauma, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to the job. Think about how you would handle a child in crisis or how you'd approach a home visit. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since the role requires a flexible approach, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and adapt to different settings. Share examples of how you've successfully balanced various responsibilities, especially if it involved evening or weekend work.
