An Education Worker for the Youth Offending Team is responsible for monitoring and co-ordinating training, education, support services for young offenders, reporting directly to the relevant team offender manager. They are partly responsible for the overall monitoring and development of the young offender, working closely with the team and the individual’s family. The roles and duties of the position include working closely with pupils in schools to ensure that they avoid involvement with crime or expulsion from school (this may involve one-to-one counseling, mentoring or group work), researching, recording and documenting data on work undertaken on young offenders and families and providing advice and guidance to YOTs on all matters regarding education and training.
Other duties include developing and maintaining relevant contacts and agencies including working in line with local authorities and working in accordance with the rules and standards practiced by all YOT members (this includes becoming accustomed to the company policy). Education workers should be expected to receive regular progress monitoring, carried out by the YOT operational manager and to attend staff development courses and top-up training at regular intervals during their tenure.
A successful candidate will have had previous experience of working closely with young people (typically in a one-to-one setting), will have proven experience in working as part of a team or in a multi-agency environment, and will have knowledge and experience of working on IT systems, including data-entry and research skills. The position holder should have strong verbal and written communication skills as group presentations are often required. They should also be proficient in maintaining and updating accurate records, have strong organisational skills and will be expected to support and advocate the needs of young individuals and their families.
Education workers should hold a full drivers’ licence or have access to a working vehicle for use on a daily basis. Knowledge of equal opportunities legislation is desirable. The hours are flexible, including the possibility of evening and weekend work. Academic qualifications must include a Higher Education Diploma in youth and community work or a relevant qualification. They would also hold post-qualifying experience in either teaching, youth and community work, Social Work, probation or youth justice. A relevant degree and knowledge of current relative practices and issues would also be desirable, but not essential.
An HND (or equivalent) in Youth and Community work. A relevant degree would also be desirable, but not essential.
Essential post-qualification experience in a related field such as youth or social work.
Written and verbal communication skills, strong organisation skills, people skills, IT skills, research skills.