Qualified Probation Officer

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

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is seeking a qualified Probation Officer to supervise probationers, manage risks, and provide professional assessments to courts and partner organizations. The ideal candidate will have a Probation Officer qualification and a strong understanding of the Criminal Justice System. This role offers hybrid working arrangements and comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and pension options.

Benefits

Annual Leave – 25 days, increasing to 30 after five years

Pension under Local Government Pension Scheme

Extensive training and development opportunities

Employee-run networks for various minority groups

Qualifications

• Must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be qualified as such.
• Knowledge of risk/needs assessment tools is essential.
• Proficiency in relevant legislation and National Standards required.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and advice to criminal courts.
• Supervise people on probation.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests.

Skills

Spoken and Written English language skills

Knowledge of Criminal Justice System

Understanding of Evidence Based Practice

Education

Probation Officer qualification

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:

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Spoken and Written English language skills; if in Wales Welsh proficiency may be required.
• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• 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.

Working Arrangements & Further 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). 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. 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.

Benefits

• Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus public holidays.
• Pension – The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
• Training – The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Networks – Opportunity to join employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, LGBTQ+ members.
• Eligibility – All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.

Statement of Suitability

Applicants should submit a statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience evidence of your suitability for this role in reference to the essential criteria.

Sifting Procedure

• Initial sift based on leading behaviour – Communicating and Influencing.
• Full sift if required, considering all behaviours.

Additional Information

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. The suitability statement and application process will be assessed through the usual Civil Service recruitment procedures. The role affords a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces.