Job Introduction
(Youth Justice Officer) (Ref:CSC/26/727/BB
Directorate: People
Department: Corporate Parenting and Youth Justice
Salary: Range MPR5 Level A (£39,053 per annum)
Job Status: Full Time Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Broadside
Subject to BPSS Checks: No
Closing Date: 02/08/2026
It is an exciting time to join the Medway Youth Justice Team. We are looking for applicants who have extensive experience working with children at risk of offending and supporting them to move forward positively to the future.
The main purpose of the Youth Justice Team is to prevent children from entering the Criminal Justice System, and to prevent those involved in the Criminal Justice System from re-offending. Medway Youth Justice team has sought to develop a child first approach to Youth Justice practice that treats children involved in the Youth Justice system primarily as being children first, understanding their individual experiences, and working with them to live positive and fulfilling lives.
The Youth Justice Officer will undertake complex assessments of the risk of offending, risk of harm and safeguarding concerns of children involved in the Criminal Justice System. They supervise a caseload of children referred by the Youth Court and by the Police as out of court disposals. They will prepare reports and assessments for both the Youth Court and the Police. They will be required to assess the risks, safeguarding issues and diversity needs of children and plan and deliver interventions responsive to these needs.
The Youth Justice Officer will hold a caseload of children who have been assessed as being at risk of re-offending / or causing harm to the community, and of being themselves vulnerable and at risk. They will deliver individual and sometimes group-interventions to these children. They will deliver interventions in accordance with the National Standards for the Youth Justice System and locally agreed practice requirements.
About you
-
Educated to degree in relevant subject e.g. Social Work, Youth Justice, Youth Service or Probation studies, teaching, law, criminology, psychology, and the creative arts.
-
An understanding of Youth Justice / Criminal Justice legislation.
-
Experience of working with children in the Youth Justice System
-
Experience of working with young people and adolescents and bringing about positive change in their lives.
-
A full driving licence and access to own transport for work purposes.
-
Able to engage with children in child first manner.
The successful post holder will be subject to a Enhanced Childrens DBS check.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please call Mark Powell, Service Manager on 01634 336236.
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
The Youth Justice Team are seeking a Youth Justice Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information-
-
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
-
Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
-
For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
-
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
-
Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
-
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
