Probation Officers

Ministry of Justice; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A key government agency in the UK is seeking a qualified Probation Officer to manage offenders and conduct assessments. Candidates must hold relevant qualifications including a degree and diploma in probation practice. Responsibilities include providing professional advice to courts and undertaking a variety of management tasks with individuals on probation. This role requires a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and the ability to work with diverse communities. The position offers flexible working arrangements and benefits including training and annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Training opportunities

Flexible working policies

Childcare vouchers

Qualifications

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Understanding of the Criminal Justice System.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessment including reports to courts.
• Manage tasks with offenders at all risk levels.
• Maintain documentation within agreed timescales.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the organization.
• Conduct prison and home visits as required.

Skills

Communication

Cultural awareness

Team collaboration

Motivating behavior change

Education

PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma

Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice

Diploma in Probation Studies

Diploma in Social Work (Probation option)

CQSW (Probation option)

Tools

Evidence Based Practice knowledge

Job description

Probation Officer Responsibilities

Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.

• To provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk of serious harm including high and very high.
• To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• To ensure timely and effective referrals to, and relationships between, offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons and external agencies to enhance positive outcomes, manage risk and reduce reoffending.
• To attend professional meetings and represent the PS at appropriate partnership forums e.g. MAPPA, MARAC.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
• To provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• To undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
• To deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• To conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and to follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes.
• To work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Additional Information: Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre‑employment checks. Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS' Flexible Working policy.

Qualifications

You must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer. In addition, successful candidates must hold the following:

• PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice
• Diploma in Probation Studies
• Diploma in Social Work (Probation option)
• CQSW (Probation option)
• Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service
• A working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards. Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools.

Statement of Suitability: Essential Experience

• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
• Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• An understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Experience of working with individuals and groups in order to motivate and change offending behaviour.
• Experience of working with people who have committed offences.
• Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service and Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools.

Evidence of Experience

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

• Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years' service, plus public holidays. Leave for part‑time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro‑ratio basis.
• Pension – The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information. Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto‑enrolled into the LGPS.
• Training – The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Networks – Opportunity to join employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabled employees, caring responsibilities, women employees, and LGBT+ employees.
• Family Friendly Policies – opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Childcare vouchers – eligibility for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Eligibility & Support

• All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
• A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order:

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email: [e-mail]);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ([e-mail]);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here).

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team. For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long‑term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion & Other Initiatives

The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to Work for Veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces. For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.