Youth Justice Health and Wellbeing Practitioner

NHS; Rugby; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health service in Rugby, UK is looking for a Youth Justice Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to support young people involved in the criminal justice system. This role involves compassionate interventions, health assessments, and partnership with other agencies. Ideal candidates will be experienced in addressing substance misuse and possess strong communication skills. A relevant qualification is required, along with a commitment to improving outcomes for youth. Full-time role with competitive benefits.

Benefits

27 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance at 2 x basic salary

Competitive contributory pension scheme

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Excellent learning & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified in a relevant area such as youth work, counselling, psychology or social care (Level 4 or above).
• Minimum of one year’s post-qualification experience.

Responsibilities

• Help young people in the criminal justice system to make safe and informed choices.
• Provide compassionate, evidence-based interventions.

Skills

Experienced in supporting young people affected by substance misuse

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Problem solving and organisational skills

Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and referral pathways

Emotionally resilient and empathetic

Education

Relevant qualification in substance misuse, youth work, psychology, counselling or social work

Degree or professional qualification in a related discipline

Job description

Youth Justice Health and Wellbeing Practitioner

Are you passionate about helping young people make positive changes in their lives?

Join Compass Criminal Justice Substance Misuse Service and play a vital part in supporting children, young people and young adults across Warwickshire.

As a Youth Justice Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you will help young people who are at risk of entering or already involved in the criminal justice system to make safe and informed choices around substance use and wellbeing.

Working in partnership with Warwickshire Youth Justice Service (WYJS), you will provide compassionate, evidence based interventions that promote resilience, recovery and independence. You will be based within youth justice settings, carrying out health screenings, assessments and care plans that help reduce harm, strengthen family relationships and build brighter futures.

This is a role where you can truly see the difference you make every day. You will also share your expertise with other professionals, offering advice, guidance and training to improve awareness and support across the youth justice system.

Main duties of the job

You will have experience of working directly with children, young people and families, ideally in a health, social care, education or community setting. You will be skilled at building trust, delivering supportive interventions and working collaboratively with partners to ensure every young person receives the right help at the right time.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Qualified in a relevant area such as youth work, counselling, psychology or social care (Level 4 or above)
• Experienced in supporting young people affected by substance misuse
• Confident in understanding safeguarding, confidentiality and referral pathways
• A clear communicator with strong IT, organisation and problem solving skills
• Empathetic, emotionally resilient and dedicated to improving outcomes for young people

A degree level qualification and training in motivational interviewing or trauma informed practice would be helpful but not essential.

If you are proactive, values led and passionate about creating lasting change, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

Take the next step and join Compass in shaping brighter, healthier futures for young people across Warwickshire.

About us

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual performance/salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!

Job responsibilities

Are you passionate about helping young people make positive changes in their lives?

Join Compass Criminal Justice Substance Misuse Service and play a vital part in supporting children, young people and young adults across Warwickshire.

As a Youth Justice Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you will help young people who are at risk of entering or already involved in the criminal justice system to make safe and informed choices around substance use and wellbeing.

Working in partnership with Warwickshire Youth Justice Service (WYJS), you will provide compassionate, evidence based interventions that promote resilience, recovery and independence. You will be based within youth justice settings, carrying out health screenings, assessments and care plans that help reduce harm, strengthen family relationships and build brighter futures.

This is a role where you can truly see the difference you make every day. You will also share your expertise with other professionals, offering advice, guidance and training to improve awareness and support across the youth justice system.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in substance misuse, youth work, psychology, counselling or social work (for example, Diploma in Youth Work, Social Work, Psychology, accredited Counselling, or equivalent NVQ Level 4 in Children, Young People or Families, Social Care)
• Minimum of one years relevant post-qualification experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to substance misuse
• Degree or professional qualification in a related discipline
• Training in motivational interviewing or trauma-informed practice

Experience

• Experience of working directly with children, young people, and families in a health, social care, education, or community setting
• Proven ability to support individuals with substance misuse needs
• Experience of partnership working across agencies and services
• Experience of facilitating group work with children, young people, or young adults
• Experience in delivering behaviour change or early intervention support
• Good understanding of substance misuse issues affecting children and young people
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, consent, and information-sharing protocols
• Understanding of risk-taking behaviours and the impact on health and wellbeing
• Understanding of mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience
• Experience of working within youth justice, early help, or similar substance misuse or criminal justice services
• Experience of working within an integrated or multidisciplinary team
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, or restorative practice approaches
• Knowledge of local Warwickshire systems, pathways, and services

Additional Criteria

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and engage sensitively with young people, families, and professionals
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organisational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Confident IT and data recording skills including maintaining accurate case records
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet competing demands in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to recognise and escale safeguarding concerns appropriately
• Emotionally resilient, empathetic, and non‑judgmental
• Proactive, adaptable, and solution focused
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families
• Flexible and able to respond to changing needs and priorities
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Ability to travel across Warwickshire as required
• Awareness of Compass values including integrity, valuing each individual, being solution focused, and taking a consistent and reliable approach
• Knowledge or experience of promoting safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion in practice

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.