Youth Justice Worker - Req24369

Progression beyond point 22 is dependent on successful attainment of the Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate).

We are seeking to recruit Youth Justice Workers to develop our work with children, young people and their families within the context of Leeds’ aim to be a Child Friendly and Restorative City. With a reputation for innovation and excellence both locally and nationally, we are one of the largest youth offending teams in the country, based in four sites across the city.

You will need show that you can work restoratively and holistically with children, young people and families, and demonstrate a real commitment to improving their outcomes and reducing levels of offending. You will be an energetic and reflective practitioner, with excellent interpersonal skills and with a thorough understanding of what works in promoting desistence. You will understand the importance of partnership working and managing risk and have a positive approach to diversity.  

Specifically, you will need:

• Commitment to multi-agency and restorative working and a flexible approach, which will include working on evenings and weekends on occasion.
• To enjoy engaging young people and their families and developing constructive relationships with them
• Experience of working with young people
• Commitment to meeting performance targets and a professional approach
• Excellent assessment skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills and excellent IT and organisational skills
• Proven commitment to equal opportunities and diversity

For an informal discussion about this post please contact YJS Youth Justice Centre reception on 0113 3782055. Karen Fawcett 

Closing date for applications  15.02.24  

Interviews to be held on 23.02.24

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period. 

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To supervise and support young people as they undertake restorative and reparative or other activities as directed by the YJS.

Responsibilities: 

To provide supervision for and positively engage with young people known to the YJS both in groups and as individuals as they carry out reparation in the community 

To support young people in completing other aspects of their supervision plan, both in groups and as individuals

To work in a positive and anti-oppressive manner, promoting equality and ensuring that diversity issues are addressed

To share practical skills and expertise to ensure tasks are completed to an appropriate quality, including working alongside young people and demonstrating by doing

To work in a restorative manner with young people and their families, with high challenge and high support 

To assess risk in relation to safeguarding and risk of harm to others and to feed this information into formal YJS assessment processes.

To maintain effective, accurate and timely administrative systems and provide all information necessary for statistical and monitoring purposes.

To transport young people, where appropriate, to the locations where such activities may be taking place.

To ensure that Leeds City Council’s health & safety, safeguarding and information sharing procedures are adhered to at all times.

To participate in training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous development.

To undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Youth Justice Service.

To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Departmental policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.

Relationships: Sessional workers will be expected to work in restoratively with Youth Justice Service staff, victims of crime, volunteers, parents and individuals from other agencies.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: The post is subject to a higher level check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.  In discharging its social services function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, Leeds Children’s Services is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.

Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills required 

Ability to engage and establish constructive relationships with young people on an individual and group basis

Ability to make basic assessments regarding risk of harm, health and safety, vulnerability and safeguarding for young people

Ability to engage with members of the community in a constructive and positive manner

Ability to challenge discrimination, prejudice and oppressive behaviour and work in ways which promote equality of opportunity, participation and responsibility

Ability to work restoratively with young people and their families with high challenge and high support in order to improve their outcomes

The ability to motivate others and a positive and practical outlook 

To be able to communicate clearly and accurately in person and in writing, competence in the use of computers and excellent organisational skills

A level of physical fitness commensurate with the expectation of working alongside young people undertaking reparation or other activities

Current driving licence

Knowledge required 

Understanding of children’s rights and the principles of a child friendly city

Understanding of the problems of disadvantaged groups and why some people offend

Understanding of the victim’s perspective, restorative approaches and issues of public confidence

Understanding of health and safety requirements, safeguarding and risk assessment

Experience required 

In working with children and young people

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

Committed to continuous improvement.

Ability to understand and observe the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.

Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.