Youth Justice Social Worker – North Somerset

North Somerset Council – Children’s Services
Pay rate: £40 per hour
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Vacancies: 2 – one available immediately and one starting January

Are you passionate about making a difference with children and young people?

Hoop Social Work is currently recruiting for two Youth Justice Social Workers to join North Somerset's busy and ambitious Youth Justice Service at an exciting time of significant practice development.

The service is leading the implementation of new approaches to understanding and responding to harm outside the home, contextual safeguarding and criminal exploitation, making this a fantastic opportunity for practitioners who want to develop their skills and be part of positive change.

Working within a dynamic and supportive team, you will hold a varied caseload and have the opportunity to work across court, community and partnership settings.

The role is primarily hybrid, with some court attendance and occasional evening and weekend work required.

About the role

You will:

• Manage a varied caseload of children and young people involved with the Youth Justice Service.

• Work across court, community and partnership settings.

• Support children and young people to understand and address the factors contributing to their offending behaviour.

• Contribute to effective risk assessment and safety planning.

• Work alongside social care, education, police, probation and other partner agencies.

• Apply professional curiosity when assessing risk, vulnerability and exploitation.

• Support the service's work around contextual safeguarding, criminal exploitation and harm outside the home.

• Prepare reports and contribute to court proceedings where required.

• Build positive relationships with children, young people and their families.

• Work creatively to achieve positive outcomes and reduce reoffending.

About you

We are looking for someone who can bring energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

You will be confident managing complex situations and working collaboratively with a range of professionals.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience working with children and young people, ideally within Youth Justice, Children's Services, Probation or a related setting.

• Strong assessment and relationship-building skills.

• An understanding of safeguarding, risk and contextual factors affecting young people.

• Confidence working within a multi-agency environment.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• The ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently.

• A commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional development.

What qualifications do you need?

We are happy to consider applications from appropriately qualified practitioners, including:

• Qualified Social Workers with current registration with Social Work England.

• Probation-qualified practitioners with relevant experience of working with children and young people.

• A relevant professional qualification and experience appropriate to Youth Justice practice.

You will also need:

• A minimum of 6 months' experience working in the UK in your relevant professional role.

• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, or be happy to apply for one.

• 3 years of referencing history.

• A full driving licence and access to a car, with the ability to travel as required.

Why register with Hoop Social Work?

• 20+ years' experience in the social work market.

• A specialist Social Work recruitment team with opportunities across the South West and Wales

• Exclusive roles and early access to new opportunities.

• PAYE or Umbrella payroll options – whichever suits you best.

• Twice-weekly payroll.

• A dedicated consultant as your main point of contact, with wider team support when needed.

• Strong relationships with Local Authorities and services across the South West.

• Earn £200 for every successful friend or colleague you refer.

• Wellbeing sessions and thoughtful extras, including birthday gifts.

• DBS and compliance support to help keep the process smooth and straightforward.

Interested?

If you're an experienced Social Worker or Probation professional looking for your next Youth Justice opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Sarah Leigh at Hoop Social Work on 02922 400519 for an informal chat.

Please note that sponsorship is not available, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.