Youth Justice Practitioner

Opportunity Review: Youth Offending Service Practitioner - East Riding of Yorkshire

For professionals passionate about making a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of young people, the East Riding of Yorkshire Youth Offending Service presents a truly exceptional career opportunity. This service has garnered national recognition, achieving an "Outstanding" rating from HM Inspectorate of Probation in March 2019, a landmark achievement where they were the first to receive full marks across all inspection areas. Inspectors specifically commended the team's ability to foster "fruitful relationships with children, young people, parents and carers, and partner services," highlighting that "children and young people are listened to and their goals and aspirations are taken seriously and acted upon." This recognition was further cemented by their win of the 'Team of the Year' award at the prestigious LGC awards in 2020.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Exceptional Organisational Culture: Joining an "Outstanding" and award-winning team means stepping into an environment that values and excels in its mission. This offers a supportive and high-achieving workplace where your contributions are recognized and celebrated.
• Innovative Practice Model: The service operates under a unique and forward-thinking practice model, "You can, I can, We can." This bespoke approach, deeply rooted in the East Riding's vision and values, emphasizes collaboration and a holistic engagement with children, young people, and their families. It moves beyond a singular framework to integrate a broader, values-based methodology that strongly connects with the core principles of Signs of Safety.
• Child-Centred and Strengths-Based Approach: The role is ideal for practitioners committed to a "child first" philosophy and a strengths-based methodology. This ensures that interventions are empowering and focus on the inherent capabilities of young people and their families, aiming to divert them from the formal Criminal Justice system.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: As part of a multi-agency team, you will have the opportunity to develop strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of professionals from partner agencies. This integrated approach is crucial for comprehensively addressing the individual needs of young people.
• Proactive Diversion Work: The role involves actively engaging with providers across the East Riding to source and support children's participation in diversion projects, offering tangible alternatives and positive pathways.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Case Management and Assessment Expertise: The core of the role involves the crucial responsibility of case management and undertaking comprehensive assessments of children. Candidates should be adept at these core social work functions.
• Working with Families and Carers: A significant component of the work will involve building relationships and supporting parents and carers. A genuine commitment to working therapeutically and constructively with families is essential.
• Commitment to Continuous Professional Development: While the original description mentions NVQ2 or equivalent, an "Outstanding" service and award-winning team typically implies a culture of continuous learning and development. Candidates should be eager to grow and refine their skills within this highly motivated environment.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The role may require flexibility in working hours, potentially including evenings and weekends. This is common in youth offending services to best meet the needs of young people and their families.
• Vetting and Security: Please note that appointment is subject to satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and successful police vetting, as the post is based at Beverley Police Station. This reflects the sensitive nature of the work and the commitment to safeguarding.

This is more than just a job; it's an invitation to join a pioneering service that is setting national standards in youth justice. If you possess the energy, creativity, tenacity, and a deep-seated commitment to making a positive difference, this opportunity within the East Riding of Yorkshire Youth Offending Service could be a significant and rewarding step in your professional journey.