Senior Youth Justice Officer

Croydon Council; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Croydon is seeking a Senior Youth Justice Service Officer to support young offenders through restorative practices and effective interventions. This role involves managing caseloads, preparing court reports, and collaborating with various agencies to ensure safe integration into communities. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in youth work, alongside strong analytical skills. The position offers a salary range of £46,968-£49,056, with a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Recent experience with young people in the Criminal Justice system.
• Full knowledge of youth offending legislation is essential.
• Ability to perform thorough assessments (ASSET Plus/Triage).

Responsibilities

• Implement Court Orders and interventions for young offenders.
• Prepare reports for Court and Youth Offender Panels.
• Manage caseloads and maintain accurate records of work.

Skills

Direct work with young people

Knowledge of youth offending legislation

Analytical assessment skills

Understanding of restorative approaches

Education

Relevant qualification in youth work

Job description

Job Description

Senior Youth Justice Service Officer - Children

Salary: Grade 11 £46,968-£49,056
Fixed Term until January 2027 - 36 hours per week
Hybrid working

Job Purpose

To work restoratively and contribute to the development and implementation of Court Orders and Interventions in line with the requirements under the powers of criminal courts (Sentencing Act 2000) as amended.
To deliver services to young people who are remanded either on bail, in the Local Authority's accommodation, in secure accommodation or in custody, prior to their being sentenced by local Courts.
To prepare reports for the Court and Youth Offender Panels in accordance with National Standards on young offenders appearing before the Youth/Crown Court.
To manage caseload, in accordance with national and localised standards.
Undertaking thorough and effective assessments of need, risk and circumstances (ASSET Plus) and translating these into effective, innovative and creative Intervention Plans for young people, taking account of risk, safety and wellbeing and the needs and wishes of the person harmed as required.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of work undertaken with young people and their families using the YOS case management system.
Undertaking office and Court duty as required.
Working closely with a range of external agencies including police, courts, schools, reparation providers and community projects with a view to successful integration of children and young people into their communities.

Job Requirements

Recent experience of direct work with young people involved in the Criminal Justice system and their families.
A relevant qualification in a discipline involving work with young people or Substantial recent experience of direct work with young people and their families involved in criminal justice system.
Knowledge of current practice and service development issues concerning young people who offend and their families.
Full working knowledge of legislation relevant to youth offending, eg Crime & Disorder Act 1998, Children's Act 1998, LASPO 2012.
Knowledge of Restorative Approaches within a Youth Justice context.
Understanding of and commitment to implementation of anti‑discriminatory practices and equal opportunities policy.
Ability to undertake well‑informed, analytical and personalised assessments of young people who offend (ASSET Plus/ Triage assessment) in a non‑discriminatory way.

About Us

Croydon Council's priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon's diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key business plan outcomes:

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council's new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.