Could you make a difference as a youth offender support worker?

If you are a firm believer in the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, then you can help young people get theirs by becoming a youth offender support worker. This role is intended to prevent children and young adults from offending or reoffending. And you will be an essential part of helping them get back on the right track and headed in the right direction.

Taking on this position could lead you to work in environments such as

- A court

- A prison

- In a community

- At a police station

This means you will come across children who were once or still are, considered a threat to their community. You will be trained so that you know how to communicate with and support them effectively.

How can you support them?

Unfortunately, a majority of young offenders have experienced trauma that changed their life and affected their mental wellbeing. This can lead to behavioural changes that then can result in them offending. It is important correct guidance and support are given to them as they may have been failed by the system previously. Even if a young offender has no record of a bad past, they still should have the right to receive appropriate support.

You will support young offenders by:

- Carrying out risk assessments to ensure safety

- Carefully monitoring and supervising them on court orders, community sentences, in youth institutions, and after release

- Helping them get into education, work, or training

- Encouraging them to take part in constructive activities

Doing these things will help towards creating and maintaining a positive mindset for the young person.

How will this make a difference?

By guiding youth offenders to a better path, you will be making a difference in many ways such as

- Making communities safer and stronger

- Preventing crime

- Changing lives

- Ensuring healthy wellbeing

- Ensuring safe environments

Although the role can be emotionally demanding, it is extremely rewarding knowing that you are the reason for a child’s positive growth.

Start with #UniAsItShouldBe

If you want to gain the qualifications and skills needed to head straight into this role after graduation, then it can be done at the University of Bolton by taking a BA (Hons) Community Development and Youth Work degree. When studying with us you will

- Gain excellent skills and knowledge through extensive work placements

- Have one-to-one support throughout your learning journey

- Explore many issues in the areas of social justice, community engagement, equality, diversity and more.

For more information on this course follow the link here.

We are dedicated to giving our best to all our students so they can succeed in whatever route they wish to go down; it’s the #UniAsItShouldBe philosophy!

For further information contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call 01204 903903. We look forward to hearing from you.