At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage teams in offender management at two prisons.
- Company: Join the HM Prison and Probation Service, making a real impact on community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a Civil Service pension, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Must hold a relevant Probation Officer qualification or equivalent.
- Other info: Full-time or part-time roles available, depending on candidate preference.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This position is based at HM PRISON WOODHILL MILTON KEYNES, MK4 4DA, NPS SPRINGHILL AND GRENDON UNDERWOOD AYLESBURY, HP18 0TL.
Job Summary: This role can be full time which will cover both Prisons. However, it can also be covered part time with 0.5 for each prison. This will depend on the successful candidate(s).
Overview Of The Job: This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit.
Summary: The job holder will be expected to manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, and will offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. In line with NPS 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 do. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. If relevant to the role, some out of hours working may be required.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties:
- To provide effective management and leadership to the team.
- To be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards.
- To ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost effectively and provide best value in terms of both budget control and realising the organisation's strategic aims.
- To ensure that staff can efficiently and effectively meet the requirements of the NPS' contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as required.
- To access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims.
- To proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters. Adopt a consistent, fair and objective standpoint when making decisions in relation to individual staff issues.
- To ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targets.
- To contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback.
- To promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery.
- To manage financial resources for your area of responsibility as required by your Head of Operational Function and in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies. To authorise expenditure within financial limits.
- In accordance with the business plan, to provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, and represent the NPS as appropriate to the role.
- To facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners.
- To play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
- To undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
- To work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.
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. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under Job Evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.
Qualifications: You must 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).
Behaviours: We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership, Developing Self and Others, Changing and Improving, Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together, Delivering at Pace.
Access to learning and development: A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance. A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity. A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. Annual Leave, Public Holidays, Season Ticket Advance.
Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements: This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.
Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion: The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Contact point for applicants: Job Contact: Name: SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team Email: Telephone: 0345 241 5358.
Senior Probation Officer / Head of Offender Management Delivery - HMP Woodhill & HMP Springhill[...] employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Probation Officer / Head of Offender Management Delivery - HMP Woodhill & HMP Springhill[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Probation Service's policies and procedures. Understanding their approach to equality, inclusion, and public protection will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of HM Prison and Probation Service. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed others in previous roles. The position requires effective management and team performance improvement, so having concrete examples ready will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges within the probation service. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will show your commitment to the role and your proactive approach to managing offender rehabilitation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Probation Officer / Head of Offender Management Delivery - HMP Woodhill & HMP Springhill[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Probation Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially your Probation Officer qualification or equivalent. Mention any relevant degrees or diplomas, as well as your experience in managing teams and delivering effective offender management.
Demonstrate Key Behaviours: The selection process will assess your behaviours such as leadership, communication, and decision-making. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these behaviours in your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Probation Officer. Familiarise yourself with the National Probation Service's policies and procedures, as well as the specific challenges faced in managing offender rehabilitation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves management, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate staff, manage performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Abilities
The job requires accessing and interpreting performance data. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve team performance. Prepare examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and how they contributed to achieving organisational goals.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Given the importance of equality and inclusion in the role, be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous positions. Share specific instances where you've addressed diversity issues or implemented inclusive practices within your team.