Job Title

Social Worker Youth Justice Service (YPT)Permanent PositionSalary: Up to £44,093 per annumPay Band L | SCP 3233Location: A Merseyside Local AuthorityA Merseyside Local Authority is seeking an experienced and qualified Social Worker to join our Youth Justice Service (YPT) on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner with a passion for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people involved in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system.Applicants must have a minimum of 2.5 years post-qualifying experience, specific to youth justice, safeguarding, or statutory childrens services.About the RoleUnder the supervision of a Social Care Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the safeguarding needs of children, young people and their families are assessed and responded to in a timely, effective, and child-centred manner. All duties will be carried out in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies and procedures.You will manage a complex and varied caseload, undertake assessments, complete direct work with children and young people, and contribute to multi-agency planning within the Youth Justice framework.Key ResponsibilitiesPromote the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and their families within a Merseyside Local AuthorityCarry out timely and robust assessments in accordance with the Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families and Working Together guidanceEnsure children, young people, families, and partner agencies are actively involved in assessments and care planningUndertake direct, child-centred work with children and young peopleManage a complex and varied caseload within the Youth Justice ServicePrepare and implement care plans that reflect the views and wishes of children and young peopleMaintain high-quality case records and produce reports in line with service guidance and national standardsPractice in accordance with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS)Work in an anti-oppressive manner and ensure this is reflected in practice and recordingSupport Newly Qualified Social Workers through the ASYE programme as an Assessor where requiredParticipate in service development, training, and continuous professional development to meet HCPC standardsComply with all council financial regulations, health and safety requirements, data protection, and information security policiesEssential RequirementsSocial Work qualification and registration with the relevant professional bodyMinimum of 2.5 years post-qualifying experience, relevant to Youth Justice or statutory childrens servicesStrong assessment, analytical, and report-writing skillsExperience of managing complex cases and working within multi-agency settingsCommitment to safeguarding, equality, and anti-oppressive practiceOur Benefits PackageA Merseyside Local Authority offers a competitive salary and a generous, flexible benefits package designed to support your financial wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional development.Financial BenefitsCompetitive salary with annual incremental progressionNationally negotiated annual pay awardsCar mileage payments and free car parkingSalary sacrifice schemes including:Hybrid and electric vehicle leasingHome goods and electricalsFinancial wellbeing support, including affordable borrowing24-hour financial advice via Employee Assistance ProgrammeTransparent pay structures so you know how your salary will progressPensionAccess to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) a defined benefit pensionPension based on salary and length of service, with a guaranteed income for lifeInflation-protected pensions linked to CPIEmployer contributions typically 1420%Ill-health retirement and death-in-service benefits (3x salary lump sum plus survivor pensions)Option for early retirement from age 55 (with reductions)Opportunities to top up pension contributions through salary sacrificeWellbeing & WorkLife Balance36-hour full-time working weekGenerous annual leave:Up to 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, rising to 36 days with long serviceAdditional two concessionary days over the festive periodOption to buy additional annual leaveFlexible and hybrid working options (role dependent)Cycle-to-work scheme and active travel supportFree flu jab and free eye testsOccupational health services and workplace adjustments24-hour health and wellbeing support, including counsellingAccess to health programmes such as weight management and smoking cessationStrong Trade Union representation (Unison, GMB, Unite)DiscountsHigh-street, dining, leisure, cinema, travel, and holiday discountsDiscounted gym membershipsReduced-cost travel passesMobile phone provider discountsFamily & Carers SupportEnhanced maternity payPaternity leave and shared parental leaveFamily-friendly policies supporting adoption, fostering, fertility treatment, and caring responsibilitiesUnpaid emergency leaveCarers passports to support worklife balanceWhy Join Us?This is an opportunity to join a supportive, forward-thinking Youth Justice Service where your experience is valued, your development is supported, and your work makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people.Apply today to be part of a Merseyside Local Authority committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and professional excellence.JBRP1_UKTJ