Probation Officers

Ministry of Justice; Barnstaple; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency is seeking a Senior Probation Officer in Barnstaple. This role requires extensive management and leadership experience within Local Delivery Units. Responsibilities include ensuring delivery quality of probation services, managing a team, and promoting a culture of equality and inclusion. Applicants must have substantial experience in offender risk management and must hold relevant qualifications. The position offers hybrid working arrangements, aligning with the agency's objectives.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in offender risk assessment and management.
• Understanding of the Probation Service's role in the criminal justice system.
• Experience in around risk management and assessment.
• Well-developed IT skills for interpreting and applying performance reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Ensure quality delivery of practice and team performance improvement.
• Manage staff development and attendance.
• Facilitate communication with internal and external partners.

Skills

Management skills

Leadership skills

Risk assessment

Interpersonal communication

Diversity and inclusion advocacy

Education

Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice

Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice

Tools

Performance reporting software

Data assessment tools

Job description

Overview

Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit. The job holder manages and leads staff, offers support and cover to other teams, and demonstrates a commitment to equality, inclusion and confidentiality. Senior Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination of the duties and responsibilities listed below.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards.
• Deploy team resources efficiently and cost‑effectively, ensuring best value for budget control and organisational aims.
• Ensure staff meet the requirements of the NPS contract with HMPPS, CRC and local business plans.
• Access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data proactively to maximise LDU/team performance.
• Manage staff development, under‑performance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters, adopting a consistent, fair and objective standpoint.
• Ensure offender managers manage risk appropriately and meet all public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute directly to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements, casework review and feedback.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Manage financial resources for your area of responsibility, authorise expenditure within limits and comply with HMPPS financial regulations.
• Provide leadership and direction in partnership work with key stakeholders, representing the NPS as required.
• Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners.
• Play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
• Undertake specific responsibilities delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and challenging anti‑social attitudes.
• Carry out safeguarding duties in accordance with statutory responsibilities and policies.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings, including offender risk assessment and management.
• Understanding of the role of the Probation Service within the Criminal Justice System and multi‑disciplinary settings.
• Knowledge of factors influencing engagement with victims.
• Experience of risk management and assessment, including multi‑agency risk procedures.
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and provide a practice perspective on policy development.
• Experience of working under pressure and fulfilling demanding deadlines.
• Experience of working flexibly as part of a team to achieve performance targets.
• Experience of contributing to effective administration and information systems.
• Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and improving quality and efficiency.
• Well‑developed IT skills, including interpreting and applying performance reports.
• Experience of championing diversity and inclusiveness internally and externally.
• Ability to implement the services health and safety policies.
• Fluency in English (and Welsh where specified).

Qualifications

• Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice or similar, integrated with a Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
• Or a qualification recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007.
• Previously recognised Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (Probation Option), CQSW (Probation Option) or equivalent.
• Presentation Level security checks – DBS Standard required.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working arrangements are available where business need allows. The role is based in the UK and is not available for overseas work.