Social worker - Youth Justice Team

JOB-20240819-db742659

Job Title: Social Worker - Youth Justice Team
Specialism: Youth Justice
Location: St Helens, UK
Salary: £35.00 per hour
Type: Locum, Full Time
Contract: Ongoing

Are you an experienced Social Worker passionate about supporting young people and making a lasting difference to their lives? We have an exciting opportunity to join the Youth Justice Service in St Helens as a Locum Social Worker.

This rewarding role will see you working directly with children and young people from diverse backgrounds, helping them address challenges, develop positive behaviours, and move away from the criminal justice system. You'll manage your own caseload with support from the Team Manager and YJS Manager, contributing to the service's wider goal of reducing reoffending and improving outcomes for young people.

If you're looking for a role where your professional expertise can genuinely influence lives and communities, this could be the opportunity for you.

Perks and benefits:

• Flexible Locum Working: Enjoy the variety and flexibility of locum employment while gaining valuable experience within Youth Justice.
• Competitive Pay: Earn £35.00 per hour, recognising your specialist skills and experience.
• Professional Development: Expand your knowledge and expertise by working alongside a dedicated Youth Justice team.
• Meaningful Impact: Play a direct role in helping young people make positive changes and build brighter futures.
• Varied Experience: Develop your skills across assessment, intervention, safeguarding, risk management, and multi-agency working.
• Supportive Environment: Benefit from guidance and professional support from experienced Team and YJS Managers.

What you will do:

• Manage a caseload of children and young people from diverse backgrounds, working closely with families, professionals, and partner agencies.
• Build positive and purposeful relationships with young people, using creative and innovative approaches to engagement.
• Assess individual needs, risks, strengths, and circumstances to develop appropriate and tailored interventions.
• Deliver targeted activities designed to improve personal and social skills and encourage positive participation in the community.
• Work proactively to reduce reoffending and prevent young people from becoming first-time entrants to the youth justice system.
• Contribute to reducing the use of custody by supporting effective community-based interventions.
• Help prevent the unnecessary criminalisation of children in care through appropriate assessment, intervention, and multi-agency working.
• Monitor progress and review interventions to ensure they remain effective and outcome-focused.
• Work closely with the Team Manager and YJS Manager to achieve key performance indicators and deliver positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records in line with relevant legislation, policies, and professional standards.
• Work collaboratively with education, social care, health, police, and other partner agencies where appropriate.

Essential requirements:

• Relevant Social Work qualification.
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Previous experience working with children, young people, or families.
• Experience managing a complex caseload and undertaking assessments and interventions.
• Understanding of youth justice principles and approaches to reducing reoffending.
• Strong communication, engagement, assessment, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with young people, families, and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to work independently while responding effectively to management oversight and support.

Why St Helens?

Located in the heart of the North West, St Helens offers a welcoming community atmosphere