Preventative Case Worker

Job description

**Are you looking to make a real difference for young people?**

North Somerset Youth Offending Service (YOS) is looking to recruit a full time Senior Practitioner to work within the Youth Inclusion Support Team (YISP). This post is funded for two years through Grant funding from the Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnership Board to increase capacity to work with young people that are causing harm in the home or in their personal relationships.

YISP offers targeted, time-limited interventions to young people who might be at risk of offending, increased risk of involvement with the criminal justice system and/or exploitation. This might be due to anti-social and behavioural concerns, knife crime, stealing, inappropriate sexual behaviour, peer-on-peer abuse or causing harm in the home or in their relationships. Children referred into the service may be experiencing mental health difficulties and display other risk factors, such as low self-esteem, difficulty managing feelings, body image and/or identity concerns and/or social isolation.

The postholder will deliver child-centred and trauma-informed interventions either one-to-one, or in groups to children and young people in a home, school, work or community setting. Based in Weston-Super-Mare with some home working opportunities, the post will involve travelling across the North Somerset Local Authority region.

This Post is fixed term for 2 years from start date.

**The successful applicant will be expected to**:

- Carry out assessments of young people using the YOS Health and Wellbeing assessment process, including risk assessment and action and planning.
- Independently case manage and deliver interventions to a range of young people and their families.
- Advocate for, organise and attend meetings with/on behalf of the young person to give them a voice.
- Record case notes and outcomes using the case management system (Child View) and other systems.
- Review progress and distance travelled for young people that you have worked with.
- Develop and manage a range of programmes/activities related to reducing or preventing offending behaviour and improving mental health.
- Work collaboratively with a range of partners e.g., schools/colleges, children’s services, community safety and the Police, engage with children and their families to build trusting, supportive relationships.

**About You**

You should be a highly effective negotiator and able to work confidently and innovatively within a multi-agency environment. You will bring enthusiasm and be able to establish credibility with a range of professionals who also work with the families. You must also have a passion for finding solutions, be up for a challenge and be prepared to try different ways of doing things to get results. You should be a reflective practitioner who demonstrates professional curiously and commitment when working with young people.

**You will need**:

- A professional qualification working with young people (e.g. social worker, teacher, probation officer, youth and community worker or healthcare) at degree level or equivalent.
- In-depth experience of direct work with young people who may be struggling with mental health difficulties and/or whose behaviour can be challenging or anti-social.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including skills to assess and address attitudes, behaviour and need.
- To be competent in the use of ICT and various software systems.

A flexi-time working policy applies to all North Somerset Council employees. Applicants should note that the post may require occasional evening and/or weekend work.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at our Central Chambers offices next to the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare.

**Want to know more and apply?**

**Anticipated interview date: To be Confirmed**

**North Somerset Council - Open, Fairer, Greener.