Job Description

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive - through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

The role

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We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a full time Senior Youth Offending Team Officer within Cheshire Youth Justice Service. The post holder will be primarily based in Cheshire East however there will be an expectation to work across the Cheshire footprint when required. Cheshire Youth Justice Service is a high performing, nationally recognised, award-winning Service rated as 'Good' in our last inspection.


Youth Justice Services (Incorporating Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton & Warrington) is a multi-agency service with the principal aim of diverting children from entering the criminal justice system, reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour and improving the quality of life for all who live and work in the areas of Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester Council, Halton Borough Council and Warrington Borough Council.


The role of a Senior Youth Offending Team Officer aims to provide support to those children involved in the criminal justice system, working collaboratively with a range of key agencies in diverting children away from offending and preventing their re-offending. We are seeking a dynamic individual who will bring knowledge and understanding of holistic assessments along with experience of delivering interventions that are relationship based and trauma informed to achieve positive outcomes for children.


We are looking for passion, creative and an experienced candidate who can demonstrate tenacity and enthusiasm in making a positive difference to the lives of children in the Youth Justice Service. The post holder will be required to effectively manage a caseload of children (between the ages of 10-17), who are subject to a range of Out of Court and Statutory Court Disposals. The ability to complete assessments, develop intervention plans with children and deliver a range of interventions using a strength-based approach to support desistance are crucial.


Child First principles are at the heart of the work we do, so the candidate should have relevant experience of working with children and their families and have a clear understanding of some of the complex issues affecting them. Risk management, public safety and safeguarding are fundamental aspects to our work and therefore candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of these requirements as they are integral to the post being offered.


If you are passionate about working with children and young people and have a creative approach to direct work, this is a fantastic opportunity. The Youth Justice Service is committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable and flexible workforce. The post holder will have an established base within the service but may be required to work across the Cheshire footprint. Hybrid and flexible working, including working from home and other bases across Cheshire is a key feature of this role as well as some evening and weekend work. Our technology platform enable staff to connect and collaborate remotely, so that a healthy work-life balance can be achieved.


Applicants will need to have a relevant degree and a willingness to complete the Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC).

What We Offer:

This is a hybrid post which means the opportunity of working from home along with the ability to work from offices where staff from Youth Justice Services work from.


The benefits of working for the Council go well beyond making a difference to people's lives, as well as working within a supportive environment with people who share your values you will have access to a huge range of benefits including discounts on:

High street and supermarket shopping Gym membership Holidays Days out Cinemas Childcare vouchers Cash back scheme on any medical treatment that you may require via Medicash Car lease scheme (Brand new fully maintained and insured car for 3 years in return for a fixed monthly payment via salary sacrifice) Cycle Scheme (Save up to 320 on the cost of a brand-new bike and equipment)

We also offer:

Competitive salary Generous holiday allowance of 26 days (pro rata), increasing to 31 days after five years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase extra leave and access bank holidays. An excellent career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 22.3%. (Employer contributions elsewhere are typically 3%) The opportunity to develop your skills and career. Rewards and Recognition for going above and beyond such as additional annual leave and shopping vouchers. Supportive team and culture Opportunity to purchase up to 10 days additional annual leave. An Employee Assistance Programme, which offers free 24/7 confidential assistance, practical information, and emotional support.

All posts are exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).


If you are ready to take on a rewarding new challenge impacting positively on the lives of children and communities, we want to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Emma Lawton or Kerry Jackson (Team Managers) on 0345 145 0055


Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.


To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk


No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!


Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information.

How to apply

Please visit Cheshire West and Chester website for the application pack.

Key dates

Closing date:

Thursday 14 August 2025

Interviews date:

Thursday 04 September 2025.


Further details and application form are available from the Cheshire West & Chester website.