Youth Justice Officer

Job Introduction

Salary: £37,563 - £40,444 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance (subject to criteria)
Hours:  37 hours a week
Contract type: Permanent

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

What You’ll be doing 

As a Youth Justice Assistant, you will work directly with children, young people and their families across early intervention, prevention and youth justice services, including supporting children and young people with complex needs and presenting risks. You will undertake assessments, develop and coordinate tailored intervention plans, and monitor and review progress to reduce offending, re-offending and risks of harm.

The role involves working across a range of settings and alongside statutory and voluntary agencies, ensuring practice meets relevant legislation, Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Justice requirements, and effective practice standards. You will maintain accurate case records, respond to referrals as part of the duty service, and provide appropriate support and advice, including acting as an Appropriate Adult when required.

You will also contribute to court and bail duties, providing information to the Youth Court and other professionals, and represent the service at partnership meetings and within the wider community. A key focus will be keeping children and young people safe, preventing involvement in the criminal justice system, reducing re-offending and anti-social behaviour, and improving their outcomes and opportunities. You will also be expected to maintain your professional development and stay up to date with relevant legislation and youth justice practice.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone with experience of working with adolescents, whether paid or voluntary, and ideally with some experience supporting young people involved in the youth justice system or working within a Youth Offending Service or related setting. Experience of working with parents and supporting positive parenting is also desirable.

You will be confident communicating with children, young people, parents, carers and a wide range of professionals, building positive and purposeful relationships. You will be able to assess, support and motivate young people, including those presenting medium to high levels of vulnerability or risk, while using your professional judgement to make sound decisions and identify appropriate support and resources.

About us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

Application Process

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

Applicants for this public-facing post will need to demonstrate the ability to converse, and provide effective help or advice, fluently in spoken English

On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.

Benefits
Please click here to learn about Luton Council Employee Benefits. 

How to apply
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!

Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: Please click here for further information.