Specialist Prevention Worker - Youth Justice Service

Solihull Youth Justice Service is a multi-agency partnership committed to preventing and reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour across the borough. The Solihull Youth Justice Service is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and victims of crime and due to significant investment into the Youth Justice Team, we have an opportunity for a Youth Justice Officer to join our team. As a Specialist Prevention Worker you will deliver high-quality, relationship based early intervention and prevention support to children 10 - 17 years who are at risk, on the cusp, of entering the youth justice system in line with the Turnaround eligibility criteria. You will be based within the Youth Justice Service but develop strong links to the Family Hubs and will work alongside a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community sector partners to provide timely support to children and young people who are on the cusp of offending and entering the youth justice system. You will provide mentoring, social skills development, structured activities, sports, hobbies and family focussed interventions to improve outcomes for children and families, strengthen resilience and reduce risk factors associated with offending behaviour. This new role complements existing youth Justice, Early Help and Family Hub services and contributes to the aims of the Ministry of Justice Turnaround Programme and Youth Justice Service by preventing first-time entry into the youth justice system and improving long-term outcomes for children and young people.

To be considered for this opportunity you will need a Level 4 (or equivalent) qualification in relevant field (e.g. Children, Young People & Families Practitioner, Youth Justice Studies) OR the ability to demonstrate substantial experience and knowledge gained in a similar role.,

• Experience of working directly with and engaging children, young people and families with diverse needs
• Experience of partnership and multi- agency working
• Experience and understanding of the challenges and barriers to engaging vulnerable children, young people and their families
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding legislation and practice
• Great communication skills with the ability to engage with and relate to children in a respectful way to build a positive working relationship., This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively.
Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner/have access to a suitable vehicle, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required. You will need to be able to travel around the borough and to other locations when required.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate's current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate's next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

In return we offer:
• Flexible working and agile working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlements with the opportunity to buy up to 10 days additional leave per year
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service
• Family and carer friendly policies
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme
This role will require you to work occasional evenings, weekends and some bank holidays in line with the needs of the service.