Ten permanent Probation Officer posts across Flint and Wrexham probation teams and the offender management unit at HMP Berwyn. The work covers risk assessment and management, supervision of people on community orders, licences and in custody, and reports for courts and the Parole Board. Post holders split time between custody and community, Berwyn carries a prison allowance, and hours can be full, part-time or job-shared. A Probation Officer qualification is required and a standard DBS check applies.
What the job involves
- Assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation, contributing to protecting victims and the public
- Supervise people on probation on community orders, licences and during custodial sentences
- Carry out the full range of offender management tasks, including cases assessed as high or very high risk of serious harm
- Provide professional advice and written reports to courts, the Parole Board and partner agencies
- Make timely referrals and build working relationships with courts, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons and external agencies
- Attend professional meetings and represent the service at partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC
- Keep case records and documentation on computer systems within agreed timescales
- Carry out prison, home or other visits as required
- Deliver and co-lead accredited programmes at grade
- Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow prescribed medication procedures
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in line with statutory responsibilities
- Provide cover within own and other teams, and guidance and support to Probation Services Officers and other staff
What's required
Qualifications
- Probation Officer qualification or qualified Probation Officer status
- Probation qualification such as a Diploma in Probation Practice, Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (Probation option) or CQSW (Probation option)
- Honours degree at PQF level or graduate status
Skills & knowledge
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system and the Probation Service
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice and risk and needs assessment tools
- Working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards
- Making effective decisions
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
Checks & eligibility
- Standard DBS check
- Security and identity checks before taking up post
- Eligible to work in the UK under Civil Service nationality rules
Nice to have
What's offered
- 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 after five years, plus public holidays
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
- Family friendly policies, including reduced hours and job share
- Flexible benefits, including voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts
- Hybrid working where business need allows
- Training and development opportunities
- Prison allowance for HMP Berwyn only