Youth Justice Case Worker (Kingston & Richmond) - Social Care Non-Qualified

Previous Youth Justice case work experience essential. Based in Kingston Upon Thames, but covering both Kingston & Richmond boroughs. About the service AfC Early Help includes a range of universal, targeted and statutory services alongside commissioned services. The following services form AfC Early Help: Youth Services, Children's Centres, Early Help Service, Specialist Adolescent Service and Targeted Youth Support. The Youth Justice service sits within the Specialist Adolescent Service. AfC Early Help offer is based on strong evidence best practice and is underpinned by the assessment of need and joint working The Early Help directorate enables effective partnership working, evidence based practice aligned to our practice model, and supports locally commissioned services across our geographical areas. About the role The key objectives of the Youth Justice Service are to prevent and reduce offending by children and young people, working with high risk repeat offenders to prevent re-offending, promoting and maximising the welfare and the safeguarding of young people that have entered criminal youth justice system and increasing awareness and confidence in the youth justice system. The post holder will be responsible for managing a caseload of young people who have been either referred by the Police or ordered by the Court, ensuring that a holistic assessment of need supports a robust intervention. The post holder will support children, young people and families with a range of needs and risks related primarily to offending behaviour, ensuring that any factors against desistance are addressed alongside the family and network and factors for desistance are fully promoted, particularly in regard to repairing harm, increasing social capital, education, emotional wellbeing and feeling safe. The post holder will attend Youth Court and act as court officer including occasional court. In all roles across AfC the post holders will be expected to develop and support a culture of partnership and innovation, so that services are child focussed, flexible and adaptable. The whole organisation should learn from mistakes, share knowledge and challenge existing practice. About you: our role specification Qualifications Educated at level 4 or above professional qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g Children and Youth, Social Care, Probation, Youth Justice ) Evidence of continuing professional development within Youth Justice Skills and experience Youth Justice case work experience is essential. Experience of working with children, young people and families with offending behaviour Ability to work restoratively with all children, young people and victims of crime in line with the service restorative approach principles and standards Experience of effective management of a caseload of young people in accordance with local policies/procedure and Youth Justice National Standards, and accurate recording. Ability to write clear and concise court reports, bail packages, panel reports Skilled at undertaking timely, high quality, robust assessments (AssetPlus) and plans. Experience of effective partnership working and working within a multidisciplinary team. Experience and understanding of how Courts work and of relevant Youth Justice legislation, including sentencing and bail/remand. Experience of risk management, public protection and safeguarding in the context of youth offending and contextual safeguarding. Experience of delivering effective interventions that reduce risk, reduce likelihood of reoffending and maximise positive outcomes for young people. Good knowledge and understanding of the Youth Justice landscape, including best practice in regard to Good Lives Model, Desistance Theory, Trauma Informed Practice and Transitions Knowledge or keen interest in specific areas of offending such as harmful sexual behaviour, knife crime, county lines and National Referral Mechanism or children harming in or outside the home. Personal attributes A passion to demonstrate and promote our values (Trust, Respect and Empower) through professional behaviours and relationships with all stakeholders. To deliver Achieving for Children’s vision, mission and values to support children and young people to live safe, happy, healthy and successful lives. Good organisational abilities including: time management, problem-solving and prioritisation. Able to work flexibly and independently with a commitment to the organisation culture. Personal determination, drive, energy and ambition to overcome obstacles, achieve challenging objectives, celebrate success and deliver excellent outcomes for children. Taking a strength based approach to managing situations. Commitment to collaborative working within Achieving for Children and across organisational boundaries in the best interests of children and families. Good communication and interpersonal skills that are open, honest, persuasive and pragmatic, including ability to negotiate and influence.