NORFOLK YOUTH OFFENDING TEAM

NORFOLK YOUTH OFFENDING TEAM

SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF WORKING WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Background Information

Youth Offending Teams have been in existence since February 2000 and work on a multi agency basis to prevent young people from offending and to work with the victims of their crime. Lack of educational engagement is see as a major factor behind the reasons why young people offend and the role of the education staff in the YOT is essential to assist in the main aim of reducing crime and maximising opportunities. The development of the YOT is overseen by the Norfolk Youth Justice Board which is represented by Police, Probation, Health, Education and Social Services. This multi agency mix is replicated in the staffing profile of the 3 Units in the County.

Post Available

A vacancy has occurred in the Norwich Unit for a member of staff currently working for the Education Department. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience of multi-disciplinary working with a challenging client group. Those seconded will have a real chance to make a difference to the lives and outcomes of young people in conflict with the law or who are at risk of offending.

Applications are invited from Schools, Psychological Service, Pupil Attendance Service, the Youth & Community Service and other Education Services.

Conditions of Service

Secondments, which will be open to main grade staff, will be for a period of up to three years. The exact period of secondment will be discussed at interview with those who are shortlisted. All staff seconded to Youth Offending Team will be employed on their existing pay and conditions, including annual leave, expenses and pensions entitlement Flexibility of applicants is vital. If you are interested in this new way of working you do need to be aware that your colleagues will be employed on the pay and conditions of their parent agencies. Travelling expenses will be payable from the Norwich YOT base and not from your home or current place of work.

Seconded staff will, after a period of training, be expected to undertake the full range of duties required of members of Youth Offending Teams. This will include implementing and supervising Court Orders. A detailed job description is attached. In addition to these general duties, staff seconded from the Education Department will be expected to provide advice and information on matters to do with education and to act as referral / contact points back to the department.

Appraisal will be with the appropriate YOT Unit Manager. There will also be contact arrangements with staff within the Education Department.

Person Specification

Essential

A professional qualification in either Teaching, Social Work or Youth Work

At least two years experience working for either the Pupil Attendance Service, School, an advisory / support teaching service within Pupil Access and Support Services or the Norfolk Youth and Community Service.

Those seconded should be able to demonstrate:

Successful professional experience in one of the above services;
That they can meet deadlines and organise their work efficiently;
Good analytical and writing skills;
That they are able to work positively as a member of a team;
A flexible approach;
An interest in, and commitment to, working with children and young people who are in conflict with the law and who may be disaffected;
Successful experience of working with troubled children and young people including those who may be exhibiting emotional and behavioural difficulties in a school context;
The ability to learn and adapt to new ways of working.

Procedure for Application

If you would like to be considered for a secondment you should first seek the permission of your Head of Service. You need to be aware that, if successful, you will be asked to take up post as soon as possible after the 1^st January. You will also need to undertake several days training during the latter part of the month for which your release will be required.

You should then write a letter of application to indicate your interest in a post. In your letter you should clearly indicate:

The reasons why you would like to be considered for secondment;
Any relevant skills and professional experience that you could bring to the work of the team;

Letters of application should be returned to James Thatcher, Principal Educational Psychologist, Pupil Access and Support Services, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DL by 26.10.01. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on 06.11.01. A reference will be required from appropriate Head of Service for candidates who are shortlisted. For informal discussion please contact Julia Sharp – Unit Manager 01603 877500