Young Persons' Youth Justice Link Worker

Change Grow Live is a compassionate charity devoted to the belief that we can truly make a positive impact on the lives of our Service Users. 

We provide unwavering support and respect in a nurturing and secure environment, valuing each individual and working closely with them to discover the most suitable treatment and care options.

At the heart of our mission are our core values: "Be open, be compassionate, and be bold." Our dedicated team members embrace these values daily, striving to change the trajectory of people's lives, nurture their personal growth, and enable them to live life to its fullest potential.

Positive Future Gateshead is seeking a Young Person’s Resilience Worker – Youth Justice Link to support young people addressing substance use, particularly those involved in the Youth Justice System. 

The role combines direct intervention and partnership working, including regular co-location within Gateshead Youth Justice Service and collaboration with agencies such as Liaison and Diversion and the Police. 

The post holder will deliver holistic 1:1 and group interventions, complete assessments and care plans, and help young people build resilience while reducing the risk of re-offending. 

Strong partnership skills, sound safeguarding awareness, and a solid understanding of the challenges faced by young people in the justice system are essential for effective advocacy and high-quality support.

The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and obtain Police Vetting.

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35 (based on full time hours, pro rata for part time) 

About the Role

• Provide training and consultation for Youth Justice Service staff on issues relating to young people and substance misuse, including updates on national and local developments.
• Offer substance misuse support to young offenders at vulnerable points, such as during Bail Supervision, upon release from custody, or at first entry into the Youth Justice system.
• Advocate for young people by participating in multi-agency forums, including Child Protection meetings, Complex Case Reviews, and Team Around the Child meetings.
• Liaise with Youth Justice Service Officers regarding statutory and non-statutory appointments.
• Use a proactive, accessible approach to engagement, delivering interventions in a range of settings (home, school, community venues) as well as through digital and telephone support.
• Contribute to Youth Justice Service assessments alongside case-holding staff.
• Work with prescribing clinicians to support substitute prescribing regimes where required to improve social functioning.
• Collaborate with wider agencies involved in a young person’s care plan, including social care, health services, and criminal justice partners.
• Implement harm-reduction strategies, such as facilitating access to Needle Exchange services and distributing Naloxone following appropriate training.
• Support the delivery of preventative initiatives for young people, including local and national awareness campaigns.

About you

• Experience of working with young people and/or young adults.
• Knowledge of issues facing young people and young adults today.
• Knowledge of the Youth Justice System in relation to young 
  people up to the age of 18.
• Knowledge of the links between substance misuse and 
  offending behaviour.
• Experience of forging strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Excellent time management skills, and an ability to work on own initiative, prioritising accordingly.
• The ability to accurately update and maintain records in a timely fashion and to work to deadlines for the submission of information, e.g. reports.
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Access to a car and full driving license.
• Willingness to undertake a full police vetting process.

What We Offer

• 25 days of holiday (+ bank holidays), with an additional day added each year (capped at 30 days).
• A paid "Wellness" hour each week, along with a "Wellness" hub and Employee Assist Programme.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• A variety of discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, and more.
• A friendly and supportive team.
• Opportunities for training, career development, and progression.
• A refer-a-friend scheme that rewards you with vouchers if your recommended candidate is successful.

For more details about the responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

At Change Grow Live, we believe that "you matter, we care." Whether you are a service user or part of our team, your input and new ideas are highly encouraged. We believe that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Please note that this role may require flexible work across operational sites, so holding a full UK driving license and access to a car is essential. An enhanced DBS check is also required for this position.

If this opportunity resonates with you and you're eager to embark on a journey with Change Grow Live, we would love to have a conversation with you.