Criminal Justice Assistant, One Stop Women’s Learning Service (OWLS)

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. It's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

Criminal Justice Assistant - PKC13685
£38,310 - £42,252
One Stop Women’s Learning Service (OWLS)

An opportunity has arisen for a Community Justice Assistant to join our Community Justice Social Work Team, based within the One Stop Women’s Learning Service (OWLS) in Perth.

The successful postholder will support the delivery of a social work service to individuals subject to statutory orders or licence conditions imposed by the Court and the Parole Board. The role will be carried out in line with National Outcomes and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System, alongside relevant Scottish Government Circulars and legislation.

This post involves working predominantly with female offenders within OWLS, although on occasion there may be a requirement to work with male offenders across other parts of the service. You will work closely with colleagues, partner agencies and families to support structured intervention and supervision through assessment and intervention activity.

Please note that Perth & Kinross Council is currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Skills & Experience Required

We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and highly motivated worker to join the Community Justice Social Work Team. You should have experience of working with female offenders and/or experience and knowledge of key issues within the justice system, such as trauma, mental health and substance misuse.

The successful candidate will:

• have previous experience or knowledge of working with female offenders and/or their families;
• be able to identify and assess risk and implement appropriate support plans;
• be able to assess, develop and deliver appropriate interventions to support clients’ wellbeing and/or learning needs;
• have strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing demands while contributing to the wider needs of the team and service;
• be able to communicate effectively to build and maintain relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders;
• be able to produce and maintain clear, concise and accurate records.

You should be innovative and flexible in your approach, with clear and concise written and verbal communication skills. A commitment to ongoing professional development is essential in order to acquire the skills and knowledge required for the role and support others effectively.

The successful candidate should hold an SVQ Level 3 (or be willing to work towards this).

You may be required to accompany offenders to and from appointments, carry out home visits and undertake outreach work across the Perth & Kinross area, including rural locations. A valid UK driving licence and access to a car are therefore essential.

Please note that this post is restricted to women applicants only. This is an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

This is a permanent, full‑time post.

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!

Here's what we can offer you:

• A generous annual leave package
• 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
• Eligibility to join our pension scheme
• Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
• Flexi time
• Access to a range of benefits

We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

For purposes of connection and collaboration with colleagues and with the community we serve, our full-time employees work on site for a minimum of 2 days per week with the arrangements for part time employees being agreed on a basis which will ensure that they benefit to an equivalent degree.

Our FAQs on hybrid working can be found here Hybrid working FAQs.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Lucy Mulvenna, OWLS Coordinator – Community Justice Social Work Team on 01738 459658, or Derek Mortimer 01738 444244 or via email at cjs@pkc.gov.uk to find out more.

Click “APPLY NOW”

External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.

We welcome applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check and maintain your membership.

If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.

A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.