Senior Practitioner; YJPS Prevention Team

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high‑quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Practitioner to join our Youth Justice and Prevention Service in the Prevention Team. The Prevention team offer support to children and young people aged 10‑18 who are at high risk of further offending and/or increased risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. Children may be referred into the prevention team from the Police, VRP, CSC, Education or from the multi‑agency Daily Safety Briefing team.

A key element of this role is supporting the Prevention Team Manager to manage the work of the Young Futures Prevention Panel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hold a caseload of children with more complex needs.
• Provide professional consultation, direction and support to team members on casework and be a role model for best practice.
• Support the team manager and colleagues to ensure legal and quality standards are maintained, including audits.
• Undertake supervision of others and support their professional development including developing competencies to improve performance.
• Undertake a specialist role within the team and develop expertise in key areas, for example as an accredited practice educator, HSB work, lead professional link with partner agencies.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. This position is based across North Somerset with the YJPS Office based in Weston Super Mare.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2‑3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work‑life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in‑office days for collaboration.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting vulnerable children at risk of escalation within the criminal justice system and who possesses the following skills and experience, you have;

• An approved professional qualification working with children and young people (e.g. social work, teaching, probation, youth and community work or health or similar) to a degree level or equivalent.
• Substantial relevant experience of working with vulnerable children with complex needs.
• The ability to manage and organise your own work and that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.
• An understanding of financial constraints and monitoring budgets
• Skills to engage with children, carry out assessments and to develop intervention plans facilitate positive outcomes.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and the impact of crime, anti‑social behaviour on children and their families/carers.

You are a reflective practitioner, confident working across agencies and as part of a team and have an innovative and enthusiastic approach.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race,…