Social Worker (Derbyshire Youth Justice Service)

Derbyshire Youth Justice Service works with young people aged 10-17 on both court orders and out of court disposals.  We had an HMIP inspection in June 2022 with an outcome of good and continue to further develop our service offer to children at risk of offending.

Our culture is enshrined in our mission statement: “Child First in everything we say, do and write. We build on the strengths of children, families and communities to achieve their potential and in turn, protect the public and victims. We never give up on our children and young people”.

Embedded within the team and service is a trauma informed, relationship based culture with high support, expectations and outcomes for our children. In addition, we align to the Child First principles as set out by the Youth Justice Board.

In relation to priorities for the service we work towards ensuring that young people are not criminalised unnecessarily. In this respect Youth Justice Panels are held fortnightly where the police refer cases for consideration of court of court disposals. From the panel various outcomes are considered.

About the role

This is a full-time post based within the Amber Valley, Bolsover and NE Derbyshire Area Team. The office base for the candidate can be either Ilkeston or Chesterfield. The role encompasses assessment of children and their life experiences and then supporting them to achieve the best they can be through either out of court disposals or through court orders including those given custodial sentences.

The successful candidate will be expected to work with minimal supervision and possess skills around engaging and motivating young people and assessment writing. Experience of working with young people is necessary including following intervention programmes. The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate administration and IT skills and have a flexible approach to work. Good communication skills and the ability to work to deadlines are essential

Development

We support newly qualified social workers to progress in their career through supportive frameworks and excellent progression opportunities. We work hard to ensure that our social workers have the time and resources to deliver good outcomes for children and families. Our vision means working creatively to inspire and empower children, young people, and their families to be the best they can be.

What will you be doing?

• Provide a quality social work service that supports children to achieve their potential.
• The successful applicant will complete a full assessment of the young person’s and family circumstances and then complete intervention with them to ensure they do not re-offend.
• Effectively manage a number of young people to achieve the best outcomes for them.
• Working in partnership with individuals build and sustain relationships, identify needs, and develop plans and responses that meet those needs.

What skills and experience do you need? 

•  BA Honours in Social Work and current Social Work England registration (refer to job and person profile for more information).
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a person-centred approach to building a rapport and relationships with children and families.
•  Ability to reflect on own practice and development enabling flexible and thoughtful social work practice and positive change.
• Experience of relationship focused social work.

In line with our performance capability framework, systemic practice model and continued professional development, qualified registered social workers are eligible to progress from Grade 9 to 11

We believe that hard work and commitment to your role should be rewarded, so we offer a package to our social workers that will ensure you always feel supported and valued:

• Manageable case loads
• Diverse range of cases providing an exciting, challenging and rewarding career
• Effective leadership and management which helps to reduce risk for our social workers and the children and families they support
• Excellent supervision and a supportive peer network
• Accelerated pay progression opportunities for frontline social workers following their ASYE
• Systemic training equivalent to a foundation level Post Graduate Certificate
• Access to an excellent range of training and development opportunities, worth over £5000, including leadership and management development
• Corporate membership with Research in Practice – allowing access to reputable, evidence-based research, training, and resources
• Fantastic opportunities to undertake further formal qualifications and career progression through our career pathways
• DBS check undertaken and paid for by us
• Social Work England registration fee reimbursed

If you would like to talk to someone informally about this post, please contact Team Manager, Michelle Barr –  michelle.barr@derbyshire.gov.uk

What benefits do we offer you?

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave and flexi-time scheme
• Travel expenses
• Discount on leisure centre memberships
• Free car parking at most sites
• An in-house counselling service
• Occupational health service
• Access to sessions with a trained physiotherapist
• Cycle to work scheme

Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – join Derbyshire County Council today!

Provisional Interview Date : 18 July 2025