Siobhan - Youth Justice Worker

Tell us a little bit about yourself (as much as you want to reveal!) – Your work background, your interests…

My name is Siobhan, I am 25 years old and I am currently working as a youth justice worker in the youth offending team.

I have always had an interest in psychology, criminology and education, however at the age of 17/18 I didn’t know how I wanted to pursue this as a career. I decided to take a gap year and travelled to Dubai and South Africa to work with the local children in the townships of Port Elizabeth doing sports coaching and some teaching.

On my return, I decided to complete a broad degree at Sheffield Hallam University, in psychology, counselling and education. Alongside the degree I volunteered for a rape and sexual abuse crisis helpline which gave me great insight into the industry. I was also able to complete my dissertation and final placement at the youth offending team in the North West, which confirmed my passion for this area of work.

After completing my degree, I moved to North Yorkshire, where I secured a job as a support worker for a housing charity, supporting adult offenders with housing and rehabilitating them back into the community. This was an eye-opening job which I thoroughly loved and enjoyed. I also completed my masters degree in psychology whilst working, with Manchester Metropolitan University distance learning scheme.

I finally secured my job at Wiltshire Council, when I moved back to the South West, after a change in my partner’s job.

In my spare time, I like to keep active. I used to play netball, squash, badminton, any sport I could try really! I also try to get back home as much as possible at the weekends so I can see family and friends and watch Everton Football club, in their home matches.

What would you say is the best thing about working at Wiltshire Council, and your job specifically?

I joined Wiltshire Council in May 2017, and from the day I started, the team have been amazing, they are so welcoming and friendly! We all work so well together, and I know whenever I need support, guidance or help, I can turn to anyone and they would be there for me.

I also love working with young people, every day is different and they always keep me on my toes.

Watching the difference they can make to their own lives is amazing. It can be incredibly demanding but it also extremely rewarding.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Firstly, with a strong coffee!

I like starting the day by having a session with one of my young people, it will often put a smile on my face and motivates me for the rest of the day.

What is the most meaningful part of your role?

Supporting the young people, I work with, to make positive changes for themselves, no matter how big or small.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current role?

Hopefully in a similar job role or completing a second masters in forensic psychology.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

South Africa.

When I was working in Port Elizabeth, it was astonishing and a very humbling experience to witness a very different way of living and severe poverty, yet, the children were some of the happiest I have come across.

I got the opportunity to travel the garden route, which made me realise how beautiful the country is.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?

I would love to swap places with a forensic psychologist currently working in one of the UK’s prisons.

What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?

Blue!

What was the best concert you have ever attended?

Blue!

What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

Went travelling on my own and working in South Africa which was often very dangerous.

What are three interesting facts about you?

I have a season ticket for Everton Football Club

I love growing fruit and vegetables in my garden

I would put gravy on nearly everything!

What is the first thing you bought with your own money?

Probably food!

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for a role at Wiltshire Council?

Wiltshire council is a very welcoming council and it looks after its staff well. The offices have good resources and technology and there are excellent opportunities for professional development with a vast amount of training courses available, and many opportunities for career progression which is encouraged by management.