Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working together with partners delivering a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.

Essex Youth Offending Service was recently assessed by HMIP as "Outstanding".

As a Senior Practitioner in the Youth Offending Service you will manage a complex caseload of high- risk young people and Looked After Children, subject to Youth Offending Service intervention. Working closely with family, schools and key agencies to address the factors leading to offending.

You will have significant experience of social work and /or criminal justice practice and deep knowledge and understanding of youth justice and children's legislation. Also an ability to build strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

You will be

* Responsible for providing a source of specialist advice and professional consultation on complex cases to the wider multi agency team.
* Responsible for carrying out comprehensive, high quality assessments of young people using Asset+ and other YOS tools.
* Responsible for managing a highly complex caseload of high risk young people in accordance with National and Service Standards. Maintaining accurate and timely data, reports and presentations, using the Youth Offending Team Information System (IYSS).
* Develop effective intervention plans, evidencing input from young people, parents/carers, liaising with partnership providers to access additional services to support the young person, reduce the risk they pose and prevent further offending.
* Prepare high quality reports for Court or Youth Offender Panel, participating in a range of case conferences, court attendance, and statutory reviews, pro-actively taking the lead when a social care perspective is required.
* Accountable for conducting assessments and planning responses to ensure risk and safeguarding processes, such as MAPPA, are followed and reviewed.
* Delivers a high level of expertise in particular areas of practice, leads on those areas, carries out quality assurance processes and reviews key aspects of team performance.

What you will need
A recognised social work qualification i.e. Diploma, degree or master's in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current registration with Social Care England as a registered social worker or alternatively a qualified Probation Officer.
* Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements.
* Significant experience of front-line social work or criminal justice working with complex children or young adults.
* Deep and up to date knowledge and understanding of youth justice, children's and other relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
* Experience of mentoring both newly qualified and experienced staff and being a subject matter expert in professional practice.
* Experience of chairing meetings involving young people, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals.

* The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

Please note ECC regularly reviews its reward and benefits

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Resourcing Team on 03330135888 or email