Probation Officers

Ministry of Justice; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency in the UK is seeking a Probation Officer specialising in Personality Disorder. This role involves working with offenders, providing assessments, managing risks, and offering support in collaboration with various agencies. The position offers comprehensive training, benefits including a generous leave policy, and flexible working arrangements. Ideal candidates will hold qualifications in probation practice and have a commitment to supporting individuals within the justice system.

Benefits

Annual Leave – 25 days plus public holidays

Pension – Local Government Pension Scheme

Training opportunities

Employee-run diversity networks

Family-friendly policies

Flexible benefits and discounts

Paid parental and maternity leave

Free annual sight tests

Qualifications

• Effective communication with criminal courts and agencies.
• Ability to supervise and manage offenders during community orders.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and national standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and written reports to courts and agencies.
• Manage offenders assessed at all risk levels.
• Collaborate with colleagues and represent the Probation Service in meetings.

Skills

Providing information and advice

Supervising people on probation

Commitment to equality and inclusion

Managing risk

Education

PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma

Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available to join the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway as a Probation Officer specialising in Personality Disorder (PDPO). This split post role supports operational Sentence Management and the OPD team in Bath and North Somerset, carrying out triaging, OPD consultations, formulations, staff training and joint casework, as well as supporting the IIRMS provision. Full training is provided and the PDPO is a highly valued role within the team and wider Probation Service. For further discussion please contact Steph Hardwick (OPD Pathway Clinical Lead), [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• 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.
• Use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• 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.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the Probation Service at appropriate partnership forums (e.g. MAPPA, MARAC).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the Probation Service 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.
• Work within the aims and values of the Probation Service and Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they undertake.
• A working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Probation Officer qualification or a qualified Probation Officer and must hold 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).

Additional 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.

Benefits

• Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment plus public holidays (increases to 30 days after five years' service).
• Pension – Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training – Extensive range of training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of Justice.
• Networks – Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, caring responsibilities, women employees, and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Family Friendly policies – Reduced hours or job share options.
• Flexible benefits – Voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Paid parental, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.