Caseworker

Job Title: Caseworker (18-25's)

Reporting to: Team Lead

Salary: SP25 £25,196.54 per annum pro rata

Hours: 20 hours per week

Duration: Until December 2027, subject to further funding

Base: Blackpool, Preston and Styal

Overview

Working in partnership with probation and utilising our Whole System Approach model, this new and innovative service will be developed in our Justice & Safety Team. Our aim is to form part of existing pathways and develop new ones for young women aged 18-25 who are involved in the Criminal Justice System. Our proposed delivery model will utilise a person-centred continuous casework and group work. Working with individuals to explore their whole range of needs, working collaboratively to self-prioritise and building confidence to improve their outcomes while reducing the risk of reoffending. You will be a skilled professional able to work with clients whose needs could include poor mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse and other risk taking behaviours.

In line with GOQ -SINGLE SEX ESTABLISHMENTS – (s7(2)(d)) this post is open to female candidates only.

MAIN DUTIES

• Provide a range of interventions through group work and one-to one support in order to meet client’s needs, in a variety of settings (centre-based, outreach, prison), as required.
• Work flexibly and responsively with Service User’s with varying complexity of needs and across each Complexity Level, ensuring they are engaged, working within the time boundaries set by probation and within LW processes.
• Actively develop a collaborative approach to assessing and managing risk, alongside Prison/Probation representatives, escalating concerns to line management as appropriate.
• Motivate and promote a Service User’s belief in their ability to change by using a trauma-informed approach, to support and sustain re-integration and independence in the community, and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
• Prepare and maintain appropriate client records using relevant data capture systems.
• Pro-actively manage a caseload of young females in line with the information contained within the Referral provided by the Probation Practitioners.
• Lead on ensuring a quality service is delivered for Service Users in their designated Service Category, keep up-to-date with developments, provide training to other Caseworkers, support difficult cases, and lead on building relationships with community organisations under this Category.
• Be alert and responsive to behaviour, information or other changes which could indicate a change in Risk of Serious Harm; and respond appropriately to challenging behaviour.
• Enable a Service User to manage strong feelings and ensure their own safety and that of others.
• Record and report any concerns to internal safeguarding leads and Prison/Probation staff in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain links with our partners (Prison/Probation/housing/healthcare/substance misuse services, etc.)
• Work closely with the Project Manager in supporting Volunteers and mentors in understanding and achieving the project outcomes.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• 2 years’ experience of working with clients with multiple & complex needs. Relevant qualification or experience. (Essential)
• Must be able to work in a fast paced and changing environment. Experience of assessment, action planning and risk assessment.(Essential)
• Must have experience of working with young people. (Essential)
• Experience of partnership and multi agency working to meet the needs of clients and the organisation. (Desirable)
• Experience and/or knowledge of the criminal justice system. (Desirable)
• Experience of working with and supervising volunteers and mentors. (Desirable)

Skills and Understanding

• Must be well organised and have good admin skills. (Essential)
• Excellent communication skills - written & verbal. (Essential)
• Knowledge of safeguarding and related processes. (Essential)
• Confident user of IT equipment. (Essential)
• A good standard of education and interpersonal skills. (Essential)
• Must be able to work within the restraints and requirements of a structured contract. (Essential)
• Must have a driving licence, use of a car and willingness to travel (although this role is based in our centre, there is an element of travel involved. There will also be an expectation to travel to HMP Styal in Wilmslow, as and when required.) (Essential)
• Ability to motivate women to value their skills and abilities. (Essential)

Personal Attributes

• Is non-judgemental and understands the importance of equality and diversity at all levels of work. (Essential)
• Can deliver work to a high standard and demonstrate a professional approach. (Essential)
• An understanding and commitment to the ethos of Lancashire Women. (Essential)
• Enthusiastic and approachable. (Essential)
• An empathy with those suffering discrimination and disadvantage, together with a good understanding of professional boundaries. (Essential)

In the supporting evidence of your application form, you must demonstrate your experiences by giving specific examples for the criteria within the person specification

• Why work for us?
• A chance to work in a rewarding, ethical, and agile environment where everyday you are really making a difference to the lives of women and girls.
• Person-centred wellbeing provision
• Employer Pension Scheme
• Flexible working/work-life balance
• Be involved in an organisation which put service users and co-design at the centre of all we do
• Access to health care plan
• Additional Birthday day off

APPLY NOW!

For more information please visit our website: lancashirewomen.org/about-us/careers and download our three application forms.

Send completed forms to: recruitment@lancashirewomen.org

Closing Date: 17th February 2025

Interview Date: TBC

Help make a difference to the lives of women across Lancashire