Probation Officers

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

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is seeking a Probation Officer to assess and manage risks posed by probationers. You will provide information to courts, supervise individuals, and collaborate with various agencies to prevent crime. Required qualifications include a relevant degree and experience working with diverse communities. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package including annual leave and pension plans.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave of 25 days

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible benefits

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals who have committed offences.
• Ability to produce reports for courts and probation services.
• Qualification in Probation Practice is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and assessment to courts and probation services.
• Supervise individuals on probation and manage risks.
• Collaborate with other agencies to prevent crime.

Skills

Experience of working with diverse communities

Motivating and changing offending behaviour

Knowledge of relevant legislation

Understanding of equality and inclusion

Education

PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma

Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice

Job description

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.
• Supervise people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences.
• Contribute to the management of risk.
• Work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.

In line with PS policies and procedures, the job 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.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• 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.

Behaviours

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

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

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

Additional Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. The role must be based in the UK. For national positions, the successful candidate will be appointed to an MoJ office location close to a Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment (increasing to 30 after five years), plus public holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Employee‑run networks for minority groups, people with disabilities, carers, women, LGBTI.
• Family‑friendly policies such as reduced hours or job share.
• Flexible benefits (retail vouchers, discounts).
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual eye tests for computer‑screen users.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Recruitment is by merit, based on fair and open competition. If you feel a breach of recruitment principles has occurred, you can raise a formal complaint. For details see the Civil Service Commission contacts listed.

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ commits to providing adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace. If you need additional help completing the application, contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team. For information on applying as a candidate with a disability or long‑term condition, see the MoJ guidance videos.

The Civil Service is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing a Great Place to Work for veterans and offering a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces.

Redeployment Interview Scheme: departments will explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant.