The Role

Do you see yourself promoting good practice in adolescent exploitation?

Does the sound of supporting vulnerable children and young people to become the best they can be appeal to you?

Would you like to join a council that is passionate about promoting positive outcomes for children and young people?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

We are looking to recruit a Evolve Practitioner on a 12-month fixed term contract to join our amazing team in Wandsworth and help play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable young people in the borough!

This is a Home Office funded role which is reviewed on a yearly basis. This position has been renewed every year since 2013.

About the service

We are committed and passionate about providing services to young people and their families/carers aged 11-25 years affected by going missing, criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation, serious youth violence and gang affiliation.

About the team

The Evolve Adolescent Exploitation team is a newly merged, friendly and supportive team that together holds significant expertise and experience in this specific field of work. We are looking for a practitioner to help ensure we continue to deliver the best outcomes for children and families in Wandsworth.

We are a trauma informed team and work along trauma involved principles. We use two training models called AMBIT and DDP. Our work is young people lead and we work with them to understand where they are at and what they need from us. Our services are not a statutory requirement and young people choose to work with us.

About the role

The Evolve Practitioner will support the work of the Evolve Adolescent Exploitation and Missing Team by providing direct and dedicated support to young people who have been victims of sexual violence or exploitation and particularly those who are at risk due to their connection to gang members.

The post holder will hold a caseload of young people and deliver direct work with them, as well as delivering targeted groupwork to young people in schools and youth settings.  You will also be involved in delivering multi agency training and working closely with the police, probation, health, social care and all our partners.

The successful candidate will provide the home office with half yearly and yearly progress reports on how we are reducing the impact of CSE and gangs on vulnerable young people in Wandsworth.

To be considered for interview your CV and personal statement will evidence the following:

• Experience in providing one to one intensive support to young people
• Strong youth work and outreach skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Experience delivering group work and training
• An ability to engage and build strong positive relationships with vulnerable young people who are affected by difficult situations relating to CSE and gangs

Benefits

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance, including a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays.

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timelines:

• Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 10^th January 2021
• Shortlisting Date: Thursday 14^th January 2021
• Interview Date: Thursday 21^st January 2021

Useful Information

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

This post is exempted 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). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

How to apply?

To be considered for interview your CV and supporting statement must highlight your knowledge, skills and experience listed in attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the advert.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Beth Kelly by email beth.kelly@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils