Senior Youth Justice Officer

About UsHere at West Sussex County Council we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey.The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced leadership team driving forward our 'Children First' improvement plan.We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be done and the challenge ahead. That's why we need professionals,like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There's never been a more rewarding time to join.Salary: £33,486- £36,371 (£20,091 - £21,822 pro-rata)Working Pattern: Part-time, 3 days per weekLocation: Worthing (role will require countywide travel)An exciting opportunity has arisen within the West Sussex Youth Justice Service (YJS) for a Senior Youth Justice Officerin the Community Supervision Team, based in Worthing.As a Senior Youth Justice Officer you will be committed to making a difference to high risk, complex and vulnerable children at risk of prosecution, on bail or remand, or subject to Court Orders by ensuringchildren involved in the youth justice system receive the right intervention at the right time to achieve and sustain best outcomes. You will be a professional who practices effectively, with good assessment and judgement skills and will be accountable foryour own professional development. You will be able to manage caseloads confidently under limited supervision, demonstrating engagement skills and creative interventions. Furthermore, you will support and advocate for equality and diversity, respecting anyoneworking for or in contact with West Sussex County Council.As a Senior Youth Justice Officer you be part of the YJS leadership team and will support the YJS management in the development and organisation of youth justice services in West Sussex. You will alsobe accountable for supervising a small number of Youth Justice staff, deputising for the Team Manager, and contributing to discussions regarding the review of service provision.Key Skills: Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, includingthe ability to explain complicated information to others and use negotiation and persuasion skills to influence the actions of others.Able to research, assess, analyse and interpret information and data from varying sources, prioritise needs and identify strengths,to effectively formulate collaborative plans for intervention and service provision, including the voice of children, families and victims.Excellent literacy, numeracy and sound IT skills to write complex reports to a high standard and present informationclearly, concisely and accurately in ways that promote understanding.Excellent organisation skills with the ability to prioritise own and others' workload, and to respond to unanticipated problems and queries.Able to gain trust and respect, and work in partnershipwith parents, carers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.Skilled in working with staff to support and develop practice.Qualifications and experience: Relevant Professional qualification recognised by one of the YJS statutory partneragencies (CSC, Probation, Health and Police), e.g. DipSW / BA in Social Work, Diploma in Probation Studies, a Qualified Youth Worker, Diploma in Counselling/Careers Guidance, PGCE, Registered Nurse qualification, Police Sergeant Level (Social Work qualifiedstaff to have up-to-date membership of the Health & Care Professions Council). OR YJB Professional Certificate in Effective Practice and the Foundation Degree in Youth Justice plus relevant training as above and to have practised at Youth Justice Officer Level3, or equivalent if coming from another YJS, for at least one year.Substantial knowledge of the criminal justice system and criminal law as it relates to children and young people in order to advise Youth, Magistrate and Crown Court on the most appropriatesentences for young people and for prosecuting breach in Youth Court and for providing advice to colleagues in the Youth Justice Service.Post-qualifying experience within a criminal / youth justice field (e.g. Youth Offending Team, Probation).Previous experienceof working with complex and challenging children and young people (e.g. CSC, police, probation, schools, criminal justice, youth work).Demonstrable experience of presenting to a high standard in court / formal setting, e.g. presenting reports to court in writtenand verbal form, being able to defend cases and confidently challenge when appropriate.Experience of writing and presenting Pre-Sentence and Specific Sentence reports for court or similar.Extensive experience of working in a multi-agency way with others toaddress the needs of children and young people, e.g. professionals from other agencies, parents / carers, young people.Experience of representing a service / organisation to others, e.g. representing the service in court, at team and multi-agency meetings.Experienceof mentoring and providing learning opportunities to others.Assessment and case management experience.Experience of staff supervision. (Desirable)