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. Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples' lives. It can be challenging but immensely rewarding. We are looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. The role offers on‑the‑job training and 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, with the main difference that you’ll work with medium and lower risk clients.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
* Manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence; assess and manage risks; provide information to courts; work with agencies across the justice system; support offenders with practical needs (housing, employment) and through listening and empathy.
* Undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. Provide case management support to a full range of people on probation using service procedures and practice directions.
* Assess and manage risk (including risk management plans and escalation) to protect victims and the public, including: liaising with courts and criminal justice agencies; supervising and managing risk for those on probation subject to community sentences and after custodial sentences; working with other agencies to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
* Adhere to PS policies and procedures, demonstrating commitment to equality and inclusion; maintain confidentiality of information; undertake out‑of‑hours work when required (e.g., courts, approved premises, programmes, evening reporting).
* Undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required; work in court settings including preparing reports and prosecuting breaches; provide cover within teams as needed.
* Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade; conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests; follow medication procedures; carry out safeguarding duties in line with PS responsibilities and agency policies.
* Demonstrate pro‑social modelling and reinforce pro‑social behaviour while challenging anti‑social behaviour; work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
* Accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks as needed; discuss significant adjustments with the job holder; English or Welsh language ability as applicable.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties (continued)
* Carry out offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk; support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
* Contribute to the Risk Management plan, report significant changes relating to risk of harm or reoffending, or non‑compliance within agreed procedures.
* Use computer based systems to produce and maintain records within agreed timescales.
* Ensure effective referrals to services; communicate with offender management staff, interventions staff, service providers and external agencies to review progress and risks.
* Undertake court work, prepare reports on cases and prosecute breaches; undertake visits to prisons, homes or alternative locations; deliver and co‑lead programmes.
* Provide cover within teams as required; conduct safeguarding duties; demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion.
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Delivering at Pace; Managing a Quality Service; Working Together; Communicating and Influencing; Developing Self and Others; Making Effective Decisions.
Qualifications and Requirements
You don’t need a degree for this role. Personal qualities are prioritized: empathetic, patient and resilient, with good writing skills and the ability to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines. Experience working with people who have social or personal difficulties is beneficial.
By managing offenders in the community, the Probation Service protects the public and offers offenders the chance to turn their lives around. You will be part of a supportive team that shares knowledge and expertise.
Benefits
* Access to learning and development
* Flexible working options to support work life balance
* Inclusive and diverse working culture
* Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
* Annual Leave and Public Holidays
* Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process and benefits, see the Candidate Information Page (link provided by the employer). The vacancy uses Success Profiles to assess Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience. Feedback is provided after interviews or assessments. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline security checks. Nationality requirements apply as outlined by the Civil Service.
The Civil Service Code sets the standards of behaviour for civil servants. We recruit on merit and are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. New entrants are expected to join at the minimum of the pay band. This role does not require a degree, but values personal qualities and relevant experience.
Salary (starting): £26,475.
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