Stephen Clarke

Background

About Stephen Clarke

Recently I have been working in secondary education for over 4yrs, but I believe now is the appropriate time for a fresh challenge. I have experience of working with and supporting students with complex SEN needs, although some were quite academic, their lack of social skills became a barrier to their learning. To help them overcome these barriers, a good and consistent working relationship enabled me to build confidence and esteem, by continuous encouragement, along with achievable targets. The interaction with the students also had a profound impact upon me personally as it taught me the importance of social interaction and how just being hospitable, and open can allow people to feel comfortable within themselves. In my previous employment I worked with a variety of young people, some that had entered the criminal justice system. There were several challenges that I faced during my time in Youth Justice, that would most certainly be applicable for this role. Firstly, attending numerous child protection and strategy meetings, that addressed the risks concerning vulnerable young people. Secondly, I have engaged challenging young people that were sentenced to court orders, within the community. Establishing a supervision plan and motivating each client to complete each goal specifically measured for them. Completing written court reports to strict deadlines and maintaining a daily record of the interventions and programs a young person engaged with. Providing one to one support/group work via interventions/programs designed to address offending behaviour and dealing with its consequences. Other responsibilities included the conducting of home visits to engage families for the reduction of offending behaviour. Supporting families around mediation, and providing advice, support to challenging families. I have acquired skills in diplomacy when listening to and addressing criticisms from clients and family members. In youth justice, Spending over 2yrs in the Xcalibre Gang Unit based within Moss Side Police Station, provided extensive experience working with young people involved in local gangs and sexual exploitation. Years of experience in youth justice has enabled me to empower my clients to achieve specified objectives, such as reintegration into education and the reduction of recidivism. I have knowledge of and experience in safeguarding and confidentiality in relation to the service user, and the importance of engaging with statutory and voluntary agencies, for protection of children and young adults.