Criminal Justice Youth Worker

**About BDP**:
Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) has been supporting the people of Bristol around their drug and alcohol for the past 39 years. We are committed to providing accessible and appropriate support for anyone who needs it and to reduce the harms caused by drugs and/or alcohol. Workers at BDP come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but all share a drive to make a difference in the lives of the people we work with.

**Our Horizons Service**:
Horizons is a brand new partnership that is delivering services to support people affected by drug and alcohol use in Bristol. We have partnered with Turning Point (who are lead provider) and seven other local and national providers: The Nelson Trust, Hawkspring, One 25, Southmead Development Trust, Southmead Project, Wellspring Settlement, and Release. As a partnership we draw on the expertise of all of the organisations involved to create a service that best meets the unique needs of the people we support.

**Purpose of the Role**
- Thanks to funding from Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant (DATRIG), Bristol Horizons is recruiting a Criminal Justice Youth Worker to support young people involved with the Youth Offending Team (YOT). This role focuses on young people who are using substances or at risk of doing so and will offer early intervention, brief therapeutic support (up to 6 sessions) and onward referrals to specialist services where needed. The role will also support YOT staff to work with and signpost young people into treatment and community options.
- By providing evidence-based, low-threshold support this role aims to reduce harm, encourage positive engagement within drug and alcohol services and promote healthier safer choices.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Direct Work with Young People**
- Deliver brief, focused 1:1 support (up to 3 months) for young people aged 11-19 using or at risk of substance use
- Carry a small caseload and create personalised youth-informed action plans
- Provide Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) as well as interventions such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT)
- Reduce risk-taking behaviours and substance-related harm
- Offer support and signposting to parents and carers when appropriate.

**Multi-Agency Working**
- Provide consultation and support to YOT staff offering guidance on effective engagement with young people and how to appropriately refer them to relevant drug and alcohol treatment services
- Work collaboratively with YOT, Bristol Horizons Youth Team and other partners to deliver joined-up support
- Attend meetings and events to promote the service and build strong referral pathways
- Provide consultation, training and support to YOT staff around substance misuse and related risk factors

**Safeguarding and Equity**
- Safeguard young people in line with organisational and legal frameworks
- Use whole family working approaches where appropriate
- Ensure services are accessible to diverse populations, including harder-to-reach group

**What we are looking for**:
Please see the Person Specification for full details. Key requirements include:

- Knowledge and experience of working with young people using substances
- Understanding of the youth justice system and related services.
- Skills in delivering short-term therapeutic interventions

**What we offer**:

- 27 days annual leave yearly which increases by 1 day every year to a maximum of 32 days after 5 of service **PLUS** bank holidays
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
- Thorough line management and reflective practice programme
- Extensive and ongoing training
- Cycle to work scheme

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £27,166.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025
Reference ID: CJYW-HB