Preventative Caseworker

North Somerset Council has been funded by the DCSF to develop and deliver an exciting new initiative: a Family Intervention Project (FIP). This project is targeted to support and effect change with particularly challenging young people and their families.

The post holder will work intensively with a small caseload involving family assessments and interventions to achieve positive outcomes such as reducing anti-social behaviour, improving school attendance and the quality of parenting. They will also work closely with staff of partner agencies already involved with the family, and proactively advocate the involvement of other partners and volunteers as appropriate. Evening/weekend work will be required.

The FIP will be managed by the Youth Offending Service on behalf of Children and Young People’s Services, the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and the Youth Offending Team (YOT) management board.

The successful applicant will be expected to:
• Case manage and deliver interventions to young people and their families.
• Contribute to the training and development of mentors and other YOT staff.
• Develop and manage a range of programmes/activities related to reducing or preventing offending behaviour.

You will need:
• Degree level or equivalent professional qualification in Criminal Justice/ social/youth/education work.
• Sufficient experience to work without close supervision with young people whose behaviour can be challenging or anti social.
• Sufficient experience of working as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including skills to assess and address attitudes, behaviour and need.

This post is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 21 April 2010