Overview
Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples' lives. We’re looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. On-the-job training provides a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service. As a PSO, you’ll have a similar role to a fully qualified probation officer but will work with medium and lower risk clients. The role is challenging but rewarding, with day-to-day responsibilities that include managing a caseload of offenders before and after sentence, assessing and managing risks, providing information to courts, and working closely with agencies throughout the justice system to support offenders.
The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. The job holder will provide case management support to a full range of people on probation, following service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
Responsibilities
* Assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims and the public, including risk management plans and escalation where needed.
* Liaise, provide information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and partner agencies.
* Supervise and manage risk of those on probation subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
* Work with other agencies to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
* Undertake offender management tasks with people assessed as low or medium risk, and support the Probation Officer in high risk cases.
* Contribute to the delivery of Risk Management plans and report significant changes relating to risk of harm or reoffending within agreed procedures.
* Use computer-based systems to maintain records and documentation within agreed timescales.
* Ensure effective referrals to services and communicate with offender management staff and external agencies to review progress and risks.
* Undertake court-related work, including reports on cases and prosecution of breaches, and provide cover within teams as required.
* Deliver and co-lead accredited programmes as appropriate for grade.
* Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required and follow prescribed medication procedures.
* Carry out safeguarding duties in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
* Demonstrate pro-social modelling and challenge anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
* Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
Qualifications and Skills
* You do not need a degree for this role. Strong personal qualities are valued; experience with people who have social or personal difficulties is helpful. Good writing skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate reports to tight deadlines are essential.
* Ability to communicate effectively in English (and Welsh where specified in Wales).
* Civil Service Success Profile Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions; Developing Self and Others; Working Together; Delivering at Pace; Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service.
* Abilities: verbal and written communication; experience helping/supporting people with a range of difficulties; planning and coordinating work; motivating groups or individuals to change behaviour; commitment to equal opportunities and diversity; understanding of offending factors (substance misuse, housing, etc.); understanding of risk management and case management; knowledge of Health & Safety and the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service; minimum 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
* Application includes three Civil Service Behaviours and one Experience-based question; written and verbal assessment components.
Working Arrangements and Additional Information
* Hybrid working arrangements may apply where business need allows; some roles may require location in the UK and normal pre-employment checks apply.
* Standard full-time hours are 37 hours per week; part-time, flexible and job-sharing options may be available in accordance with policy.
* New entrants typically start at the minimum of the pay band.
* As part of the application, you will sit the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT). Practice tests and information are available, and progression depends on passing the CSJT and subsequent recruitment stages.
Rewards and Benefits
* Starting salary: £26,475.
* Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays. Pro-rata leave for part-time roles.
* Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via GMPF; details at GMPF website.
* Training and development opportunities, employee networks, and flexible working policies.
Notes
Security and identity checks are required; applicants may be eligible for adjustments under the Civil Service Code and disability policies.
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