Preventative Caseworker (Prevention Team)

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a dedicated Prevention Caseworker to support vulnerable children aged 10-18 at risk of offending. This role involves delivering tailored interventions, assessing children's needs, and collaborating with multiple agencies, including schools and social services. Candidates must have a relevant professional qualification and experience working with children. Benefits include competitive salary, flexible working, and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional development

Wellbeing support

Salary sacrifice schemes

Qualifications

• The role requires a professional qualification in social work, teaching, or related fields.
• Candidates should have a thorough understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Experience working with young people at risk is essential.

Responsibilities

• Independently case manage and deliver interventions to children and families.
• Assess children using the Prevention and Diversion Assessment.
• Promote children's strengths and build supportive relationships.
• Record case notes using management systems.

Skills

Experience working with vulnerable children/young people

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Competency in ICT and various software systems

Understanding of safeguarding issues

Reflective practitioner

Education

Approved professional qualification working with children

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high‑quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced person to join our Youth Justice and Prevention Service in the Prevention Team.

North Somerset Youth Justice and Prevention Service (YJPS) is a successful partnership between key partners including Police and VRP, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Probation, Health Integrated Care Board and Education partners.

The Prevention team offer support to children and young people aged 10‑18 who are at high risk of further offending and/or increased risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. Children may be referred into the prevention team from the Police, VRP, CSC, Education or from the multi‑agency Daily Safety Briefing team.

A key element of the role is the delivery of child first, trauma responsive interventions often on a 1:2 basis or in groups. Preventative Caseworkers engage with children to assess and plan their interventions to include opportunities to support children’s engagement in post‑pro social activities.

Interventions are regularly held in schools or college or at their home or in a community settings including the YJPS premises. Based in Weston‑Super‑Mare with some home working opportunities, the role will involve travelling across the North Somerset Local Authority region with additional time in the office base and some home working.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently case manage and deliver both 1:1 and group interventions to children and their families/carers.


• Carry out assessment of children using the Prevention and Diversion Assessment and planning tools.


• Promote children’s individual strengths and capacities and act as an advocate to promote their pro‑social identity.


• Work collaboratively with a range of partners including schools/colleges, children’s services, health services, and the police, to engage with children and their families/carers to build trusting and supportive relationships.


• Record case notes and outcomes using both YJPS case management system and other online systems.


• Support additional activities across YJPS including engagement days, positive activities with children, group work, celebration events, the children’s YJPS coproduction group etc.


• Support additional activities that may run outside of normal office hours.

About You

• You have an approved professional qualification working with children and/or young people (e.g. social work, teaching, probation, youth and community work or health) to a degree level or equivalent.


• You have experience of working with vulnerable children/ young people.


• You have a thorough and up to date understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures.


• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills including skills to assess and address behaviours and need.


• You are competent in the use of ICT and various software systems.


• You are a reflective practitioner, confident working across agencies and as part of a team and have an innovative and enthusiastic approach.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office


• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.


• Training is provided to help balance work‑life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in‑office days for collaboration.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits


• Flexible working arrangements


• Local Government Pension


• Opportunities for professional development


• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums


• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year


• Dedicated in‑house Wellbeing Team


• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Lucy Frampton Prevention Team Manager at [e-mail] or call 07771 833173.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Anticipated Interview Date

Tuesday 3 February 2026

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.