Probation Officers

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

Job summary

A governmental body in the UK is seeking a Probation Officer to manage the risk posed by probationers, ensuring the safety of victims and the public. The successful candidate will assess offenders, provide insightful reports to courts, and work collaboratively with agencies to enhance positive outcomes. Strong qualifications in Probation Practice and a commitment to equality and diversity are essential. This role includes flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 after five years

Local Government Pension Scheme

Extensive training and professional development

Family-friendly policies

Flexible benefits including discounts

Qualifications

• Experience of working with a variety of people facing social and personal difficulties.
• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System.
• Ability to fulfill spoken aspects of the role in English.

Responsibilities

• Assess risk and manage probation cases.
• Provide professional advice and assessments to courts.
• Collaborate with external agencies to manage risk.

Skills

Working with diverse communities

Motivating and changing offending behavior

Understanding of equality and diversity

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma in Probation Practice

Diploma in Social Work (Probation option)

Job description

Overview

To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by:

• Providing information and advice to criminal courts, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• Supervising people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences.
• Contributing to the management of risk.
• Working with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.

Policy Commitment

In line with PS policies and procedures, the post holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they undertake. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.

Key Responsibilities

Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the following duties and responsibilities:

• 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.
• To carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• To 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 are 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.

Hybrid Working

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. This role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

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.

Working Hours and Flexibility

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.

Language Requirement

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Key Competencies

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Professional 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.

Technical Requirements

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Qualifications: PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or Diploma in Probation Studies; or Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or 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.

Benefit Highlights

• 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 calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
• National Probation Service covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities through the Ministry of Justice.
• Employee‑run networks supporting minority groups, people with disabilities, caring responsibilities and gender diversity.
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours or job share.
• Flexible benefits: voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, and discounts on goods and services.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Support and Resources

Support includes access to support networks, training, and benefits. Employees have access to wellbeing services and a range of support programmes tailored to individual needs.

Contact

As a disability confident employer, MoJ offers adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team. For further information, see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

To transform. Business Services: 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8 am – 6 pm). Email: [e-mail]. For Ministry of Justice Resourcing: resourcing‑management‑[e-mail]. For the Civil Service Commission: contact details available online.