Qualified Probation Officer

Ministry of Justice; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency is seeking a qualified Probation Officer to provide professional advice, supervise individuals on probation, and collaborate with various criminal justice agencies. The role requires a recognized probation qualification and experience in supporting diverse communities. The benefits include annual leave, extensive training opportunities, and family-friendly policies. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about the Criminal Justice System and committed to promoting equality in their professional practices.

Benefits

Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment

Pension under Local Government Pension Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Family friendly policies

Paid parental leave

Free annual sight tests

Qualifications

• Qualified Probation Officer with recognized qualifications.
• Experience in managing diversity and supporting individuals facing social difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessment to courts and agencies.
• Supervise people on probation and conduct necessary assessments.
• Collaborate to manage risks and prevent crime.

Skills

Knowledge of Criminal Justice System

Ability to motivate behaviour change

Experience with diverse communities

Understanding of equality

Education

PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma in Probation Practice

Diploma in Social Work (Probation option)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, and other criminal justice agencies.
• Supervise people on probation under community orders, licences, and custodial sentences.
• Contribute to risk management and collaborate with other agencies to prevent crime.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Represent the Probation Service at professional meetings and partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Provide cover within your team and other teams as required, and undertake prison, home, or alternate location visits as required.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance to Probation Service Officers and other staff.

Qualifications

• Qualified Probation Officer: hold the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) or the recognised probation qualification for the date qualified as a Probation Officer, or completed the 2021 Probation Officer Qualification Alignment Process.
• Eligible to hold a 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 of the Criminal Justice System, relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Working knowledge of evidence‑based practice and risk/needs assessment tools.

Essential Experience

• Experience working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
• Experience working with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Experience motivating and changing offending behaviour.
• Experience working with individuals who have committed offences.

Technical Requirements

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Hold a 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.

Benefits

Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment, 30 days after five years, plus public holidays.

Pension – Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Training – Extensive training and development opportunities.

Family Friendly – Opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.

Paid parental leave – Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.

Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is 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.