Candidate Brief – Youth Justice Practitioner

Department: Northern Ireland Civil Service – Department of Justice
Service: Youth Justice Agency, Youth Justice Services
Base: 15a Castlewellan Road, Banbridge
Equivalent grade: Executive Officer 1
Contract: Temporary agency assignment
Start date: To be confirmed
Expected end date: 1 February 2027
Hours: 37 per week, normally Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
Pay: £17.43 per hour

Role purpose

Support and challenge young people aged 10-17 who are involved in, or on the fringes of, the criminal justice system. The role combines case management, diversion, restorative practice and court reporting to help young people reduce offending and reintegrate into their communities.

Main responsibilities

• Work within YJA policies and manage Court Orders, Public Prosecution Service (PPS) plans and voluntary Earlier Stage Diversion arrangements.

• Facilitate Youth Engagement Clinics with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the PPS. Help eligible young people leave the criminal justice process at the earliest appropriate stage and understand the diversion options available.

• Deliver Community Resolution Notice programmes for young people referred directly by the PSNI.

• Complete YJA and other relevant assessments. Use the findings and Youth Conference outcomes to develop individual intervention plans that address risk, vulnerability and service user safety. Review progress regularly and adapt plans as needed.

• Deliver restorative approaches outside the Youth Conference process, taking account of victims’ views.

• Work with young people, families, carers, community groups and professionals to support positive behaviour change and reintegration.

• Source, risk assess and manage suitable reparative activity placements to meet Service in the Community requirements.

• Act as an Officer of the Court, providing oral and written reports and bail assessments to the court and the PPS.

• Prepare reports for case conferences and reviews, attend relevant meetings and maintain timely, accurate written and electronic records.

• Work with Juvenile Justice Centre colleagues to maintain continuity of support. Help train and support volunteers, Social Work and Youth Work students, and sessional workers.

Essential criteria

• Degree in Social Work or Youth and Community Work.

• Current NISCC registration for applicants qualifying through the Social Work route.

• Experience working with young people who display challenging behaviour.

• Experience writing formal reports.

• A driving licence and access to suitable transport. The role involves substantial travel, including to remote areas that may be difficult to reach by public transport.

Desirable knowledge

Knowledge of working with young people in a justice context.

Working arrangements and selection

Flexible working, including evening work, is required. Evening hours may be offset by time off in lieu. Travel and subsistence expenses are payable in line with NICS policy.

A Warner interview forms part of the selection process. Enhanced security clearance is required.

Please submit a CV that identifies your qualifying degree and NISCC registration where applicable, and gives examples of your work with young people who display challenging behaviour and the formal reports you’ve written.