Youth Justice Practitioner (Act Now)

Job Introduction

About Us
Oxfordshire Youth Justice Service has an exciting opportunity for a Youth Justice Practitioner to work for our friendly and supportive team under the 'Act Now' project. Our service is a multi-agency partnership committed to preventing and reducing youth crime in the county of Oxfordshire. We are passionate about improving outcomes for children, families and victims of crime and we work according to the YJB Child First principles.

About the Role
This role will specifically focus on responding to children aged 10-17 in Police custody arrested for knife/weapon related offences. The requirement is to attend the Police Station within 90 minutes of notification to get alongside the child at the earliest opportunity. You will need to use excellent engagement skills to support and make a difference for children involved in knife-carrying and serious violence.

The role involves comprehensive assessment and intervention planning using YJB-mandated tools, which requires skills in analytical-thinking, written communication and an understanding of the evidence-base underpinning current youth justice frameworks. Creative and individualised intervention with children is supported and monitored through regular, reflective supervision. 

This role involves working with children who engage with Act Now on a voluntary basis. It also includes completing assessments to support out-of-court decision-making and delivering Out of Court Resolution interventions where this outcome is agreed for the child. This role is central to the team's prevention and diversion activity, to try and reduce harm through knife crime.

Role delivery will be in accordance with evidence-based effective practice with children and young people, and in the context of managing risk, well-being and public protection issues. This role is fixed-term for 12 months, working 37 hours a week. The main shift pattern is 8.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday. There will be a requirement to cover one evening shift per week until 8pm, to be discussed at interview.

About you
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a robust understanding of child safeguarding and risk/safety planning, as well as a sound knowledge of child and adolescent development. You will be passionate about supporting some of Oxfordshire's most vulnerable children to thrive and make positive changes in their lives; helping them develop a pro-social identity through responsive and creative intervention work. You will be dynamic, resilient, pro-active and a strong team player. You will be confident in working autonomously where needed to meet deadlines and manage your cases, whilst also bringing restorative values to working collaboratively as part of a wider Adolescence service in meeting shared goals for our children.

You will have the ability to pick-up a case-load and work effectively in a range of professional environments, including Police custody, the community, schools and visiting children where they live. 

Rewards and benefits

•  Culture of flexible working
•  Technology to support agile working where role permits
•  Up to 33 days holiday p.a. plus Bank Holidays
•  Option to 'buy' additional holiday
•  Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
•  Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.9%
•  Enhanced family friendly policies
•  Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
•  Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: megan.ciotti@oxfordshire.gov.uk