Qualified Probation Officer

Ministry of Justice; Mansfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental body in the United Kingdom is seeking a qualified Probation Officer to assess and manage risks posed by individuals on probation. Responsibilities include supervising probationers, providing professional advice to courts, and collaborating with various agencies to prevent crime. Candidates must possess relevant qualifications and demonstrate excellent communication skills. A commitment to equality and inclusion is essential.

Qualifications

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Possess a PQF Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma or Level 5 Diploma in Probation Studies.
• Experience working with individuals who have committed offences.

Responsibilities

• Supervising people on probation and providing professional advice.
• Contributing to the management of risk and preventing crime.
• Ensuring timely referrals and maintaining records.

Skills

Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System

Experience working with diverse communities

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of risk/needs assessment tools

Ability to motivate behaviour change

Education

Probation Officer qualification

PQF Honours Degree or Graduate Diploma

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.
• Supervising people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences.
• Contributing to the management of risk.
• Working with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
• Providing professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, and other criminal justice agencies.
• Carrying out 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.
• Using computer‑based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensuring 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 re‑offending.
• Attending professional meetings and representing the Probation Service at partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, maintaining effective team relationships and providing professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
• Providing cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Carrying out prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
• Delivering and co‑leading accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conducting mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and following prescribed medication procedures.
• Carrying out safeguarding children duties in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrating pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and challenging anti‑social attitudes.
• Working within the aims and values of the Probation Service and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Possess a PQF Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma or Level 5 Diploma in Probation Studies, Social Work (Probation option) or CQSW (Probation option).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice and risk/needs assessment tools.
• 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.
• Experience of motivating and changing offending behaviour with individuals and groups.
• Experience working with people who have committed offences.
• Commitment to equality and inclusion, with an understanding of their relevance to the work undertaken.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in English (and Welsh where specified in Wales).
• Ability to conduct all spoken aspects of the role with confidence.

All candidates are subject to the required security and identity checks prior to taking up the post.