Youth Offending Officer (Case Holder)

Youth Offending Officer (Case Holder) - Devon Youth Justice Service

Fixed Term/Secondment for 12 months
Full Time 37 hours per week

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? We’re looking for a committed and skilled Youth Justice Worker to join our team and help support children and families at critical moments in their lives.

In this rewarding role, you’ll work directly with children, young people and their parents/carers involved in the criminal justice system, completing high‑quality assessments, evidence‑based interventions, and meaningful support to reduce offending and promote positive change. You will be confident in working within a child first framework that is based in relational practice. You’ll manage a varied and complex caseload, building strong relationships, developing tailored plans, and working collaboratively with families, victims, courts, and a wide range of partner agencies. Previous experience of working in youth court is essential.

You will play a key role in safeguarding, understanding and managing safety concerns, ensuring that every decision keeps children, young people, victims and communities safe. From preparing court reports and presenting at court, to chairing meetings and working with families to complete assessments and deliver positive identity work, restorative practice and harm‑reduction sessions, no two days will be the same. You must be confident in sharing information appropriately and advocating for children while balancing the needs of justice and public protection.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced, multi‑agency environment, can communicate confidently and sensitively, and have a passion for supporting children and young people to achieve better outcomes, we’d love to hear from you. Flexibility, resilience, and strong organisational skills are essential, as is the ability to work some weekends on a rota basis.

Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in our community.

Our offer to you

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

Please contact John James for an informal discussion, 01392384978.

Interview dates to be confirmed

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.