Overview
Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. There are many reasons to join the Probation Service. What will yours be?
Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples' lives. It's not always easy to help someone turn their life around, but it can be immensely rewarding. We're looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. As a PSO, you'll have a similar job to a fully qualified probation officer. The main difference is you'll work with medium and lower risk clients. There will be on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service.
Day-to-day, you'll manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence. You'll assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system. You’ll also support offenders by providing practical advice about housing and employment, listening and empathising.
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 using service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
* 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 by:
* Liaising, providing 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.
* Carry out offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and support the Probation Officer in high risk cases.
* Contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm or reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures.
* 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.
* Undertake 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 PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
* Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by reinforcing pro-social behaviour and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
* Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
Requirements and Qualifications
* New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. You don't need a degree for this role. We are more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you'll be empathetic, patient and resilient. Good writing skills are essential. You must be able to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.
* Ability to speak English fluently (and Welsh where specified in Wales).
* Civil Service Success Profile Criteria behaviours: Making Effective Decisions; Developing Self and Others; Working Together; Delivering at Pace; Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service.
* Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; experience of helping and/or supporting people with social or personal difficulties; planning and coordinating work; motivating and changing behaviour; commitment to equal opportunities and diversity; understanding of factors related to offending (e.g., substance misuse, accommodation issues); understanding of case management; knowledge of risk management/risk assessment and its impact on victims; knowledge of Health & Safety in the workplace; knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service knowledge.
* Minimum of GCSEs including English and Maths (or equivalent).
* To apply, you will complete a short application form with responses to Civil Service Behaviours and an Experience-based question. The application may include written and verbal assessments.
Working Arrangements & Information
* Hybrid Working is available where business needs allow. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and are subject to regular review. Some roles may not be suitable for Hybrid Working.
* Nationally advertised roles may appoint to a MoJ office location (nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office) after pre-employment checks. Location preferences indicate willingness to work at those locations; reserve lists are managed accordingly for 12 months.
* Normal full-time hours are 37 per week, excluding unpaid breaks. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing patterns where they meet role requirements and business needs.
* New entrants are expected to join at the minimum of the pay band.
Rewards and Benefits
* Salary: starting salary around £26,475.
* Pensions: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and information at GMPF. Current Civil Servants may transfer terms; eligibility details apply.
* Leave: 25 days’ annual leave on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays. Pro-rata leave for part-time posts.
* Training: extensive training and development opportunities.
* Networks: employee networks for minority groups and allies.
* Eligibility: security and identity checks required prior to taking up post; various family-friendly policies and flexible benefits.
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ offers adjustments in recruitment and the workplace. For veterans, there is a guaranteed interview scheme where eligible. Redeployment opportunities are available for those at risk of redundancy.
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