Youth Justice Worker

Youth Justice Worker - 3 Year Fixed Term Contract

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Make a difference where it matters most. Help children and young people build safer, brighter futures.

Gateshead Youth Justice Service is a developing and ambitious service dedicated to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. Working within a supportive team of experienced case workers, our practice is rooted in child-first principles, restorative approaches and trauma-informed practice. We work collaboratively with children, families, schools, health services, social care, courts and community partners to understand each young person's circumstances and help them overcome barriers, reduce offending behaviour and achieve positive futures. As part of our team, you will play a vital role in preventing children from entering the criminal justice system, supporting those who have offended to make positive changes and ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met

Be the positive influence that changes lives. Join a trauma-informed Youth Justice Service committed to child-first practice.

What you will get to do:

• Manage a varied caseload of children and young people aged 10 to 17, delivering both statutory and voluntary interventions focused on prevention, diversion and reducing reoffending.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of risk, safety and need using recognised youth justice frameworks, gathering information from young people, families and partner agencies to build a holistic understanding of each child.
• Develop and deliver tailored intervention plans, restorative justice programmes and youth crime prevention initiatives that support positive outcomes for young people and victims
• Supervise and manage court orders, community sentences and out-of-court disposals, ensuring compliance with legislation, national standards and best practice.
• Advocate for children and young people, helping them access education, training, employment, health, mental health and substance misuse services, while challenging barriers that prevent them from receiving the support they need.
• Prepare detailed assessments and reports for courts, referral order panels, children's services meetings and other multi-agency forums, presenting information clearly and professionally.
• Attend court hearings, custodial establishments and professional meetings, providing support, guidance and advice to young people, families and partner agencies.
• Work closely with schools, community organisations and multi-disciplinary partners to improve health, educational and social outcomes for young people.
• Participate in the Youth Justice Service duty system, including acting as a Panel Adviser, Appropriate Adult for PACE interviews and supporting remand court duties, with some evening and weekend working required.
• Contribute to a culture of safeguarding, equality, inclusion and continuous improvement, ensuring every child is treated with respect and fairness

Support, challenge and inspire. Work alongside young people and families to create lasting change.

What you will bring:

• A relevant degree-level professional qualification (or equivalent) in areas such as Social Work, Probation, Youth and Community Work, Policing, Youth Justice or a related discipline, together with a full driving licence and access to transport or suitable mobility arrangements.
• Strong knowledge of youth justice legislation, policy and practice, including safeguarding, child-first approaches, restorative justice principles and reducing youth offending.
• Significant experience of working with vulnerable children and young people who present complex needs, high risk and high harm behaviours.
• Experience of undertaking detailed assessments, analysing risk and need, managing cases and developing effective intervention plans that promote positive change.
• The ability to build positive relationships with young people, families, victims and partner agencies, working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of writing and presenting reports for courts, panels and professional meetings.
• A commitment to professional boundaries, equality, diversity, anti-oppressive practice and supporting children to achieve the best possible outcomes.

If successful you will need to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.