Probation Service Officer

Ministry of Justice; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A government service in the UK is looking for a Probation Officer responsible for assessing and managing risks posed by probationers. The role includes supervising community sentences, liaising with justice agencies, and providing case management support. The position requires a strong commitment to equal opportunities and effective communication skills. Flexible working patterns are available, along with benefits including annual leave and a pension plan.

Benefits

Annual leave (25 days increasing to 30)

Public holidays

Pension under the Local Government Pension Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience of helping individuals with social difficulties.
• Ability to produce clear reports to tight deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Manage risk posed by probationers to protect public.
• Provide case management support and updates.
• Conduct home and prison visits as required.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable individuals

Planning and coordinating work

Understanding of equal opportunities

Knowledge of risk assessment

Effective communication skills

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above

Job description

Overview

Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. The Probation Service offers a role for an officer who will undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage the risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public.
• Liaise, provide information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies.
• Supervise and manage risk of those people on probation subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
• Work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
• Provide case management support to a full range of people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
• Use computer‑based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure effective referrals to services and facilities and communicate with offender management staff, interventions staff, service providers and external agencies to review progress and associated risks.
• Carry out prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
• Work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
• Provide cover within teams 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 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.
• Work within the aims and values of Probation Service and HMPPS.
• Support applicants may be based in a wide variety of office, court, team, or prison locations within the Probation Service region.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience of helping and/or supporting people who have experienced a range of social and/or personal difficulties.
• Experience of planning and coordinating work, working with groups or individuals to motivate and change behaviour.
• Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice.
• Understanding of factors related to offending (e.g., substance misuse, accommodation issues) and the ability to engage constructively with a range of people.
• Understanding of the principles of case management, risk management/risk assessment of offenders and the impact on victims of crime.
• Knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation, the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service, and the aims and objectives of the PS.
• The ability to evidence high level numeracy and literacy skills or a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English, Maths. A degree is not required.
• Good writing skills, ability to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication in English (and Welsh where specified in Wales).

Behavioural Criteria

• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Recruitment Process

Applicants must complete a short application form and state responses to Civil Service Behaviours and Experience based questions. A Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT) is required. Successful completion of the CSJT and a full application sift will invite interview. Successful interviewees will be invited to interview.

Working Arrangements & Benefits

Hybrid Working arrangements are available where business need allows. The role is based in the UK. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. Where suitable, part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns are considered.

Benefits include: Annual leave (25 days on appointment, increased to 30 days after five years), public holidays, pension under the Local Government Pension Scheme, training and development opportunities, employee‑run networks, and a range of family‑friendly policies.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Probation Service is a disability confident employer and commits to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. The Service welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and will treat all candidates fairly.