Job Introduction
Being a YOT Officer is a pivotal role in the work of the Youth Offending Team (YOT) responsible for working in a multi-agency / multi-disciplinary team to ensure that children at risk of or who have become involved in offending, their parents/carers and those directly affected by their behaviour (including identified victims) are effectively safeguarded and supported, enabling them to lead positive lives.
We have an exciting new position at the Youth Offending Service. The role is a fulltime post consisting of 37 hours a week. The post will form part of an established and experienced team of YOT Officers who manage both voluntary and statutory cases. MKYOS ethos is on intervening at the earliest opportunity allowing for a timely and person-centred assessment and intervention plan to be developed in partnership with young people and parents/carers and other key organisations, at reachable and teachable moments.
The successful candidate will work directly with young people and their families in the community and within custodial facilities to address identified risks and needs to support children and young people to achieve better outcomes and to keep communities safer.
The successful candidates will require an Enhanced DBS check and hold a current driving licence. All members of staff are required to go through Safer Recruitment pre-employment checks before joining the service. Please note that this role is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK.
Shortlisting will take place on 7th December 2022 and interviews will take place on 13th and 14th December 2022.
Main Responsibility
- To ensure that the likelihood of offending and risk of harm to others is reduced by effective assessment, risk management, planning and delivering interventions in line with criminal justice, children’s and other relevant legislation and in accordance with National Standards, Government guidance and local policy.
- To ensure that all children who are offending or at risk of offending are safeguarded and their wellbeing is promoted effectively, in line with national legislation and policy, enabling them to live safely within their family wherever possible
- To work in partnership with key agencies, ensuring collaboration and information sharing for the benefit of the child or young person, victims of crime and the community at large and provide a quality youth justice service to the criminal courts as required by legislation and national standards.
The Ideal Candidate
- The successful candidate will have a recognised qualification and substantial experience gained in Social Work, Policing, Education, Youth Work, Youth Justice / Criminal Justice or Health relevant setting.
- A sound knowledge of Criminal Justice Legislation and the Youth Justice System, including Out of Court Disposals (OOCD).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and good IT skills with the ability to complete and present holistic assessments to assess likelihood of offending, risk of harm to others and risks to children and young people’s safety and wellbeing. This includes the requirement to analyse, summarise and write / record relevant information clearly and concisely so that it is easily understood by service users and colleagues.
- Able to collect, analyse and make judgements in high risk / complex cases and to use these to develop, implement, monitor and enforce effective interventions that are child and family centred and treat all with respect and with empathy whilst balancing the needs of victims and the community. Ability to question, challenge, solve problems and complete complex tasks with limited day to day guidance.
- Able to make considered decisions, analyse and evaluate information in high-risk cases with limited management oversight.
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes City Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%.
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years. (From April 2023 this will increase to 28, and 32 days after 5 years)
- Holiday Purchase Scheme.
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Health Cashplan.
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- Blue Light Card - Employees working within Social Care can qualify for a range of discounts from national retailers to local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more!
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles).
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs).
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements.
- Childcare Subsidy.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes City Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
