We have an excellent opportunity for a Youth Justice Worker to join our Prevention and Youth Justice Service Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a 12 month, Fixed-Term Contract.

As Youth Justice Worker, you will support children's shift to a pro-social identity to prevent them from (re)offending, while supervising children and supporting victims to ensure we keep children, victims and communities safe. You'll work within the Children Services team, contributing to building a culture of excellence in youth justice practice while championing equity, inclusion and trauma-responsive approaches throughout all aspects of case management and intervention delivery.

This role requires involves supervision of a mixed caseload of up to 15 children, completion of timely assessments and reports (including Pre-Sentence Reports and Referral Orders), and delivery of tailored interventions underpinned by child-first, relational and trauma-responsive approaches. You'll act as Appropriate Adult in PACE interviews, complete Return Home Interviews for missing children, and serve as Court and Duty Officer in line with service standards and guidance.

You'll develop a strategic approach to case management, maintain accurate and effective records, and ensure all operations meet compliance with relevant youth criminal justice legislation, the Victims' Code, and Youth Justice Board case management guidance. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a collaborative, motivated professional with experience in youth justice, criminal justice settings, or children's social care to join our team. 

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave – 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
⭐Local Government Pension Scheme 
⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
⭐Move through Menopause Course
⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
⭐Employee Networks
⭐And more!

Key Responsibilities:
•    To supervise a mix caseload of up to 15 children at any one time, including statutory, diversion and prevention cases.
•    To complete good quality and timely assessments, write Out of Court Resolution Screening reports, Referral Order and Pre-Sentence Reports.
•    To co-produce with children effective, tailored and responsive intervention plan and deliver interventions underpinned by child first, relational and trauma responsive approaches.
•    To keep timely, accurate and effective records for each case.

Candidate Requirements:
•    Experience working with children of adults within a criminal justice setting
•    Experience of supporting children at risk of or victims of exploitation and serious violence
•    Analytical skills to be able to assess the facets and context presented by each child and family
•    Report writing skills (write reports for a variety of audiences, breaking down and summarising complex concepts, use of good English)
•    Ability to work in a high paced environment, juggling various responsibilities simultaneously while working towards tight deadlines
•    Manages own time and prioritises work and supports other colleagues to meet agreed deadlines

Our Area:
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.  
Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Bea Nigolian, Team Manager, via Bea.Nigolian@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Sunday 10th May 2026 at 11pm
Interview date: Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th of May 2026

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful.  Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.