Youth Justice Adolescent Practitioner

Hertfordshire County Council; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Youth Justice Adolescent Practitioner role with Hertfordshire County Council sits within Children’s Services, delivering targeted interventions to children aged 10–18 in a multi‑agency setting. You will assess risk, plan and coordinate tailored interventions to reduce offending and safeguard communities.

We seek a relevant qualification in youth work, criminology, or criminal justice, plus experience with children and families.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in youth work, criminology, criminal justice, or experience delivering interventions with children.
• Experience building positive relationships with children and families in a multi-agency setting.
• Strong IT and record-keeping skills, including case notes and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children involved with the Youth Justice Service through various orders and disposals.
• Collaborate with Children’s Services, families, and partner agencies to deliver effective interventions.
• Assess risk and needs, develop intervention plans, monitor and review progress.
• Produce accurate reports and maintain case records in line with statutory requirements.
• Support duty cover, court work, and occasional evening/weekend service delivery.

Skills

Youth work qualification

Criminology background

Criminal justice background

Interventions with children

Tools

Case management systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Introduction

Job Title: Youth Justice Adolescent Practitioner

Starting Salary: £35,570 progressing to £38,510 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Location: Apsley, Hemel Hempstead with hybrid home working

Hours: 22 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Childrens Services

About The Team

The Youth Justice Service works with children aged 10-18 who have received either a diversionary, Out of Court resolution or Court Order.

About The Role

This role provides the opportunity to work with a skilled, motivated and dedicated workforce, who are passionate about supporting children to desist from offending through robust assessment and delivery of tailored interventions which achieve positive change for children and keep them and wider communities safe.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children involved with the Youth Justice Service through Out of Court disposals and community-based Court Orders.
• Work closely with Children's Services, partner agencies, families, and carers to deliver effective interventions that reduce offending, manage risk, and achieve positive outcomes.
• Assess risk and need, then develop, coordinate, monitor, and review tailored intervention plans using evidence-based practice.
• Contribute to the delivery of services for children, families, and victims, ensuring a holistic and child-centred approach.
• Build strong partnerships with statutory and voluntary organisations to share information, monitor progress, and support compliance with intervention programmes.
• Produce high-quality assessments, intervention plans, and reports, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records on ChildView in line with statutory requirements and national standards.
• Participate in wider team responsibilities, including duty cover, court work, and occasional evening and weekend service delivery.

Essential

• A relevant qualification in youth work, criminology, criminal justice, or experience delivering interventions within a child-focused, multi-agency environment.
• Experience building positive, trusting relationships with children, young people, and their families, with an understanding of Child First approaches.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, parents/carers, victims, professionals, and partner agencies.
• Confidence in managing challenging situations, resolving conflict, and finding practical solutions.
• Good IT, organisational, and administrative skills, including maintaining accurate records, developing intervention plans, producing reports, and using case management systems and Microsoft Excel.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Experience of developing and delivering engaging programmes of groupwork to children.
• Experience and a sound knowledge of relevant legislation and policies relating to victims, children and their families within the youth justice service.
• Self-motivated and able to organise and effectively manage own workload whilst maintaining high quality standards.

This is an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives at a critical time. As an Adolescent Practitioner, you will be on the front line, helping children navigate challenges, make better choices, and find a path towards a brighter future.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is Level 9. Please locate the job profile here:

Job profiles - Health and social care

Interview Date: 06 November 2026

Additional Information

We are changing

Hertfordshire County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Hertfordshire County on 1 April 2028, it is expected that most roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.

LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better. To find out more, visit https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/

Disability Confident

We are proud to be aDisability Confident employerand guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Safeguarding

This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Driving Required

You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.