We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Youth Justice Service Officer / Senior Social Worker to join our Youth and Adolescent Service. This pivotal role is designed for a practitioner capable of delivering a 50/50 split between Youth Justice and Adolescent Safeguarding work.
You will work directly with young people at risk of contextual harm, including criminal and sexual exploitation, radicalisation, serious youth violence, and family breakdown. Using a dynamic, relational, and restorative approach, you will empower young people to co-produce their own plans and take an active role in their development and safeguarding.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, supporting some of Hillingdon’s most vulnerable young people while contributing to practice excellence, service innovation, and professional leadership within the wider team.
Key responsibilities
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Manage a complex caseload with high levels of autonomy, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
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Deliver direct work with young people and families, using evidence-based frameworks to reduce risk and promote resilience.
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Undertake holistic assessments of criminogenic needs, re-offending risk, and safeguarding vulnerabilities.
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Prepare and present high-quality court reports, intervention plans, and case reviews.
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Lead and co-produce plans with young people to support engagement, accountability, and positive change.
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Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, including the Police, Health, Probation, and the voluntary sector.
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Act as a Youth Justice Service representative in court, providing professional advice and information.
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Support implementation of restorative and relational practice models across the service.
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Contribute to service planning, performance monitoring, and quality assurance activities.
About you
You are an experienced qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England, who brings strong professional curiosity, emotional intelligence, and resilience to complex cases. You can balance safeguarding and risk management with a restorative and strengths-based approach.
You will also have:
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Proven experience working within Youth Justice, Safeguarding, or Adolescent Services.
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Strong understanding of criminal and youth justice legislation, risk assessment, and safeguarding frameworks.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing detailed assessments and court reports.
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The ability to work effectively with young people and families facing complex social issues.
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A commitment to continuous professional development, reflective practice, and team collaboration.
Why join us?
At Hillingdon, we are committed to “Putting our residents first” by supporting young people to stay safe, thrive, and reach their potential. You will join a passionate and experienced team that values innovation, professional growth, and evidence-based practice.
We offer:
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Ongoing professional development and reflective supervision
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A supportive leadership team focused on wellbeing and growth
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The opportunity to influence service development and practice improvement
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Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Ready to make a difference?
Apply today and help shape a safer, fairer future for Hillingdon’s young people.