Youth Justice Practitioner

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

It's an exciting time to join us - Lewisham is a wave 2 Pathfinder authority and is leading the way on national reforms to social work practice through the Families First for Children programme.

INTRODUCTION

An exciting opportunity is available as a Youth Justice Practitioner in our Integrated Adolescent Service.

We are seeking a committed individual to join our dynamic and innovative team, who is passionate about making a difference in children and young people’s lives who have come in to contact with the youth justice system. We thrive on working together to achieve positive outcomes and helping to shape the future of children and young people in our Lewisham borough.

What’s the role?

As a Youth Justice Practitioner your role will involve applying expertise, knowledge, and professional judgment within the statutory and legislative framework of the youth justice system to prevent offending and reoffending of children and young people. This will include assessment, report preparation, Court work, intervention, case planning and review, as appropriate to the work of the team and service to ensure the effective risk management and safeguarding of the child or young person, the victim and wider community.

About You

You will have proven experience and competency in:

• Working within a youth justice, social work, or criminal justice setting.
• Working within a multi-agency framework, including attending panels, strategy meetings, and case conferences.
• Assessment,planning, and intervention skills, particularly with children who have complex needs
• Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce high-quality reports for court and other formal settings.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multi-agency responses.
• Motivational interviewing, engagement techniques, and relationship-based practice.
• Using case management systems and analysing data to inform practice and performance.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and professional judgement under pressure.

What we’re looking for

If you want to work in a thriving borough and our vision connects with your professional values, then we are interested in hearing from you. We are looking for people to join our team who:

• value the importance of communication and seeking feedback
• can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead
• are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service
• are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way
• work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths
• take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions

What’s in it for you?

We offer excellent development opportunities, the opportunity to make a real difference to our local community plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

Our permanent and stable senior management team are visible and approachable. Our dedicated workforce team supports professional development across the service so that you will;

• be supported through our comprehensive learning and development offer
• receive regular supervision and appraisal.
• have a clearly defined career progression pathway with opportunities for professional development at all levels.

Location

The job is primarily based in The Old Town Hall in Catford SE6. There are 2 local train stations 3-5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop right by the office.

We operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Your Application

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

Special conditions

• The post holder must have a Professional Certificate in effective practice (P.C.E.P.) or equivalent training / experience including a Youth and Community qualification or Social work qualification
• Occasional evening and weekend working may be required for this post
• The job is subject to an Enhanced DBS check

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Jennifer Butler: jennifer.butler@lewisham.gov.uk or Leona Cox: leona.cox@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Please click here for our Vision and Values

Please click here for the Letter from the Director

Salary

£45,852 - £47,925 per annum (PO2)

All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Creating an Inclusive Lewisham

A core value of Lewisham Council is to 'draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham'. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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