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1 Full Time position available - Fixed Term Contract up to March 2024

We are seeking to recruit youth justice workers to develop our work with children engaging young people and their families within the context of Leeds aim to be a Child Friendly and Restorative City with a reputation for innovation and excellence both locally and nationally, we are one of the largest youth offending teams in the country, based in four sites across the city.

You will need show that you can work restoratively and holistically with children, young people and families, and demonstrate a real commitment to improving their outcomes and reducing levels of offending. You will be an energetic and reflective practitioner, with excellent interpersonal skills and with a thorough understanding of what works in promoting desistence. You will understand the importance of partnership working and managing risk and have a positive approach to diversity. Specifically, you will need:

• Commitment to multi-agency and restorative working and a flexible approach, which will include working on evenings and weekends on occasion
• To enjoy engaging young people and their families and developing constructive relationships with them
• Experience of working with young people
• Commitment to meeting performance targets and a professional approach
• Excellent assessment skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills and excellent IT and organisational skills
• Proven commitment to equal opportunities and diversity

For an informal discussion about this post please contact YJS Youth Justice Centre reception on 0113 3782055 - Jon Lund

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply

Job Description

Job Purpose

To work with young people and their families to reduce their risk of offending or re-offending, in accordance with relevant legislation, National Standards for Youth Justice and the Youth Justice Plan for Leeds

Special Conditions this post is subject to a higher level check with the Disclosure & Barring Service. Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence

Responsibilities

• To provide services to a wide range of young people who offend or who are at risk of offending.
• To plan, develop, co-ordinate and deliver programmes of focused work to young people on a group and individual basis, including those subject to intensive supervision.
• To work with the families of young people who offend to improve outcomes for the family
• To work in a restorative manner with young people and their families, with high challenge and high support
• To work in an anti-oppressive manner, promoting equality and ensuring that diversity issues are addressed
• To take account of the views and interests of victims and the wider community
• To act as the Youth Justice Service’s representative at Youth Offender Panels and to provide information and reports for these meetings.
• To hold cases as appropriate, including planning, reviewing and delivering all aspects of the contract or plan.
• To undertake thorough and effective assessments of young people, with particular regard to the risk of offending and level of harm posed to the public in accordance with YJS risk, vulnerability management and safeguarding procedures. This will include completion of the appropriate specialist risk assessment tool.
• To ensure effective liaison with specialist workers, other YJS staff and partner agencies.
• To maintain effective, accurate and timely administrative systems including the keeping of records, writing of reports and provide information necessary for statistical and monitoring purposes.
• To enable young people’s participation in all aspects of service delivery.
• To undertake court duties as required, including the presentation of information about young people appearing in court.
• To devise and co-ordinate appropriate timetables for young people.
• To facilitate access to a range of accommodation providers and provide support with independent living.
• To work co-operatively and restoratively as part of a team and participate positively in team meetings and YJS briefings.
• To work flexibly, including evenings and weekend work as required, to meet the needs of young people.
• To participate in training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Departmental policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• To undertake other duties as appropriate as required by the Service.

Qualifications

• No specific qualifications are needed for this post.

Essential Requirements

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Skills required

• Ability to engage young people, establish relationships and maintain effective dialogue with young people with a view to changing their behaviour positively.
• Ability to work restoratively with young people and their families with high challenge and high support in order to improve their outcomes.
• Ability to engage and work constructively with the wider family unit.
• Ability to challenge discrimination, prejudice and oppressive behaviour.
• Ability to relate to young people and communicate creatively using a variety of different methods.
• Ability to work in ways which promote equality of opportunity, participation and responsibility.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to undertake appropriate safeguarding, risk of harm and risk of re-offending assessments.
• Self motivation, enthusiasm and an ability to work to deadlines in accordance with National Standards.
• Flexibility, adaptability and the willingness to work positively and creatively within a multi-agency team.
• Competence in the use of computers and information technology.

Knowledge required

• Basic knowledge of criminal justice system.
• Understanding of issues affecting young people and why some young people offend.
• Understanding of children’s rights and the principles of the child friendly city.
• Understanding of victim’s perspective, restorative approaches and issues of public confidence.
• Knowledge of a range of effective interventions with young offenders.
• Understanding of health and safety issues.

Experience required

• Direct experience of working with young people to effect positive change.
• Experience of working constructively within a team.
• Experience of involving young people in decision-making.

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

• Able to demonstrate flexibility and be responsive to the needs of young people within working patterns.
• Ability to accept and participate in disciplinary proceedings against young people who fail to comply with requirements.
• Commitment to self and team development.
• Commitment to non-judgmental and restorative practice.
• Able to demonstrate energy, perseverance and belief in a young person’s potential to change.
• Ability to understand and observe the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies and Code of Conduct.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.

Desirable Requirements

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role. Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Knowledge required

• Knowledge of the Youth Justice System, legislation and National Standards
• Knowledge of court systems
• Knowledge of childcare legislation

Experience required

• Experience of working with young offenders.
• Experience of working with families