Senior Practitioner YJPS Prevention Team

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a Senior Practitioner for the Youth Justice and Prevention Service. This role requires an approved qualification and substantial experience working with vulnerable children. You will manage a caseload, provide guidance to team members, and ensure adherence to legal standards. The position offers a flexible working environment with competitive benefits, including professional development and opportunities within an inclusive team. Apply now to make a positive impact in your community.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Professional development opportunities

Additional leave purchase option

In-house Wellbeing Team

Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Qualifications

• An approved professional qualification working with children and young people.
• Substantial relevant experience of working with vulnerable children with complex needs.
• The ability to manage and organize your own work and that of colleagues.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols.

Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload of children with complex needs.
• Provide consultation and support to team members.
• Ensure legal and quality standards are maintained.
• Undertake supervision of others and support their professional development.
• Develop expertise in key areas within the team.

Skills

Professional qualification working with children and young people

Experience with vulnerable children

Ability to manage and organize work

Understanding of financial constraints

Engagement and assessment skills

Knowledge of safeguarding protocols

Education

Degree level qualification in relevant field

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 Senior Practitioner to join our Youth Justice and Prevention Service in the Prevention Team. 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 this role is supporting the Prevention Team Manager to manage the work of the Young Futures Prevention Panel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hold a caseload of children with more complex needs.
• Provide professional consultation, direction and support to team members on casework and be a role model for best practice.
• Support the team manager and colleagues to ensure legal and quality standards are maintained, including audits.
• Undertake supervision of others and support their professional development including developing competencies to improve performance.
• Undertake a specialist role within the team and develop expertise in key areas, for example as an accredited practice educator, HSB work, lead professional link with partner agencies.

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. This position is based across North Somerset with the YJPS Office based in Weston Super Mare.

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.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting vulnerable children at risk of escalation within the criminal justice system and who possesses the following skills and experience, you have;

• An approved professional qualification working with children and young people (e.g. social work, teaching, probation, youth and community work or health or similar) to a degree level or equivalent.
• Substantial relevant experience of working with vulnerable children with complex needs.
• The ability to manage and organise your own work and that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.
• An understanding of financial constraints and monitoring budgets
• Skills to engage with children, carry out assessments and to develop intervention plans facilitate positive outcomes.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and the impact of crime, anti‑social behaviour on children and their families/carers.

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

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 Youth Justice and Prevention Team Manager at [e-mail]

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 24 February 2026.

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.