Youth Justice Officer

Service Care Solutions Ltd; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Southampton is seeking a Youth Justice Officer to provide support and intervention for young people involved in the justice system. The role entails assessing risks, designing intervention plans, and collaborating with various agencies. Successful candidates will have experience in youth justice and excellent communication skills. This position offers a hybrid work model and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people in youth justice, social care, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of criminal justice processes and legislation related to youth offending.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver youth justice services including restorative justice.
• Complete assessments using ASSET+, identifying risks.
• Act as Supervising Officer and Responsible Officer for court orders.

Skills

Experience working with children and young people in youth justice

Strong knowledge of criminal justice processes

Skilled in risk assessment and care planning

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work with families and multi-agency teams

Education

Relevant qualification in Youth Justice or Social Work

Tools

ASSET+ assessment framework

Job description

Job Title: Youth Justice Officer
Department: Young People’s Service
Grade: Indicative Grade 8
Location: Southampton City Council (Hybrid/On-Site)
Reports to: Youth Justice Service Lead
Pay Rate: £18.72 PAYE / £23.70 LTD (Paid via an umbrella company)

About Southampton City Council At Southampton City Council, our vision is to create a city of opportunity where everyone thrives. We are committed to building a healthy, safe, and prosperous city for all. As part of Team Southampton, we work in close partnership with public, private, and voluntary organisations under the Southampton Connect framework to deliver services that support the wellbeing and development of our communities.

Role Purpose The Youth Justice Officer plays a critical role in delivering services defined under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, aiming to prevent reoffending among children and young people. Working as part of a multi-agency Youth Justice Service, you will assess risk, design and implement intervention plans, and provide support to young people and their families to promote positive life choices and reduce engagement with the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver pre-court and post-court youth justice services, including restorative justice and reparation programmes.
  
  
• Complete assessments using ASSET+, identifying the risk of reoffending, serious harm, and vulnerability.
  
  
• Act as Supervising Officer and Responsible Officer for young people subject to court orders.
  
  
• Design and supervise intervention programmes and sentence plans, including custodial and post-release support.
  
  
• Write high-quality court reports and represent the service in Youth, Magistrates, and Crown Courts.
  
  
• Provide parenting support for families of young people involved in or at risk of offending.
  
  
• Promote engagement in positive community-based activities and reparation opportunities for young people.
  
  
• Liaise with Children’s Services, Police, Probation, Education providers, and other partners.
  
  
• Ensure all work complies with National Standards and frameworks for Effective Practice.
  
  
• Provide weekend court cover on a rota basis.
  
  
• Maintain accurate and timely case records and support quality assurance activities.
  
  
• Participate in service audits, development plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Key Relationships

• Youth Justice Service Lead (Line Manager)
  
  
• Youth Offending Team colleagues
  
  
• Local schools and education providers
  
  
• Families Matter, Early Help, and Prevention Services
  
  
• Police, Probation, Legal Services, and Courts
  
  
• Children’s Social Care and external support agencies
  
  

Core Responsibilities Financial Management

• Deliver Youth Justice services within budget constraints.
  
  
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and income generation.
  
  

Customer Relationships

• Deliver high-quality services to children, families, and partner organisations.
  
  
• Use feedback to improve outcomes and satisfaction levels.
  
  

Operational Effectiveness

• Adhere to all HR, Health & Safety, and Information Governance policies.
  
  
• Maintain accurate case records and reports.
  
  
• Escalate service risks appropriately and manage personal caseload effectively.
  
  

Organisational Capability

• Engage in personal development and CPD activities.
  
  
• Contribute to team improvement initiatives and organisational change readiness.
  
  

Person Specification Essential:

• Experience working with children and young people in youth justice, social care, or similar setting.
  
  
• Strong knowledge of criminal justice processes and legislation related to youth offending.
  
  
• Skilled in risk assessment, care planning, and report writing.
  
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Ability to work with families, multi-agency teams, and vulnerable groups.
  
  
• Flexible to provide occasional weekend or out-of-hours cover.
  
  

Desirable:

• Relevant qualification in Youth Justice, Social Work, Criminology, or related discipline.
  
  
• Trained in ASSET+ or similar assessment frameworks.
  
  
• Experience delivering restorative justice or trauma-informed practice.
  
  To apply or learn more, please [e-mail]