Barnet Youth Offending Team is seeking to recruit a Youth Liaison and Diversion Worker (YLDW) with a keen interest in working to support and improve the early identification in the youth justice system of young people (up to the age of 19) presenting with a range of mental health difficulties and vulnerabilities.

You will have experience of working with young people with mental health difficulties including neuro-developmental needs, conduct disorder, learning difficulties, disabilities and other vulnerabilities including difficulties at school, social and peer and/or family relationships. The aim of the role is to reduce the use of custody for vulnerable young people (and over-represented groups in the youth justice system), including those excluded from school and/or not attending school.

You will have a flexible and creative approach, being able to engage young people and their families in a variety of settings. With a wide range of psychologically informed skills (e.g. CBT informed-practice, motivational interviewing etc) you will provide direct work, group and family work, based in homes, schools and in the community. Working alongside colleagues, and as part of Barnet’s Integrated Clinical Service (BICS) you will receive regular clinical supervision from the Clinical Practitioner/Forensic Psychologist. Linking with the 0-19 Early Help Locality Hubs, you will also be working closely alongside YOT colleagues and partners in order to provide information to assist sentencing and subsequent intervention, planning and delivery of interventions.

Having experience of working within a mental health setting with young people, we are looking for someone with enthusiasm, energy and creativity. Additional experience within a forensic and/or youth justice setting, providing therapeutic interventions and assessment of adolescents presenting with experiences of trauma, group offending, violent or harmful behaviour, exploitation, loss and separation and who may be a risk to themselves and others would be an important advantage.

The successful candidate will need to have excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and be able to work well within a team environment. You will have good organisational skills and have the ability to prioritise and work under pressure.

In return you will be welcomed into a safe, high performing and hardworking team where you will receive excellent support and clinical supervision including CPD opportunities and regular reflective practise workshops. You will be working for a forward thinking innovative Borough within one of London’s most diverse communities.

Barnet is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. There is an expectation that all staff and volunteers support and share this commitment.

Candidates must hold a UK recognised qualification as a Registered Mental Health Nurse/Clinical or Forensic Psychology/ Family Therapy qualification or degree relevant to the area of work or equivalent experience. You must also have 2 years post qualification experience of working with and engaging young people who have offended.

An enhanced DBS check is required.

If you are interested in finding out more and would like further information please contact Emmanouela Kladouchou, .