Casual Worker

Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children's Board safer recruitment procedures.

The Service:

Portsmouth Youth Justice Services (PYJS) work with the overall aim of preventing and reducing youth crime. The Junior Attendance Centre (JAC) provides specific group work interventions for children who are known to, and referred by, the overall Youth Justice Service. A programme of pre-planned sessions is co-ordinated by the JAC Officer In Charge, and delivered by JAC Officers who engage directly with children under PYJS supervision.

Your New Role:

You will plan, deliver and review group work for children known to Portsmouth Youth Justice Service (PYJS), and assist the Junior Attendance Centre (JAC) Officer In Charge with the operational running of the JAC. You will work directly with children aged 10-17 years old to deliver interventions to reduce likelihood of reoffending and support desistance from crime. You will challenge anti-social behaviour and pro-offending beliefs, and communicate with children, parents/carers and YJS staff. You will carry out reviews/evaluations with children and collect information to identify motivation, risk factors and diversity needs. You will manage practical issues, assess and manage risks, assist enforcement of orders, and produce accurate records and reports. You will assess your own performance, attend training courses and contribute to personal and team development.

You have recent and relevant experience in working with children who may have experienced trauma, abuse, or other adverse experiences and/or demonstrate challenging behaviour. You have excellent communication skills and the ability to relate to children who have offended or may have pro-offending attitudes and beliefs. You can deliver groupwork intervention sessions, manage group dynamics, motivate groups and individuals, and challenge children appropriately. You celebrate children's successes, manage your own emotions when dealing with difficult behaviour, are organised and can meet deadlines. You have good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, and have a positive attitude to your work.