Job Description

Trafford

Trafford Youth Justice Service is seeking a committed and motivated Youth Justice Practitioner to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system.

Working within a multi-agency environment, you will support children, families, and communities by delivering high-quality interventions that promote positive outcomes, reduce offending behaviour, and safeguard vulnerable young people.

• Manage a caseload of children and young people subject to statutory and non-statutory interventions.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of risk, safety, wellbeing, and strengths using relevant assessment frameworks.
• Develop, implement, and review intervention plans tailored to individual needs.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing offending, preventing reoffending, and supporting rehabilitation.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, social care, police, health services, and other partner agencies.
• Prepare high-quality reports for courts, panels, and other professional meetings.
• Represent the Youth Justice Service at multi-agency meetings, safeguarding forums, and court proceedings as required.
• Promote the voice, participation, and rights of children and young people in all aspects of practice.
• Contribute to safeguarding and public protection processes, ensuring appropriate risk management arrangements are in place.

We are looking for an enthusiastic practitioner who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

You will have:

• A recognised professional qualification in Social Work, Youth Justice, Youth Work, Probation, Criminology, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Experience of working with children, young people, and families in a challenging or complex environment.
• Knowledge of youth justice legislation, safeguarding procedures, child development, and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience of assessing risk and delivering targeted interventions.
• Strong communication, report-writing, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and with partner agencies.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice.

• Experience within a Youth Justice Service, Youth Offending Team, Children's Services, or a related setting.
• Knowledge of restorative justice approaches.
• Experience preparing court reports and attending court proceedings.
• Understanding of contextual safeguarding, exploitation, and serious youth violence.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service needs allow.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes.

Trafford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

If you are passionate about helping children and young people achieve positive futures and want to be part of a forward-thinking Youth Justice Service, we would love to hear from you.