At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and support individuals on probation, ensuring their rehabilitation and public safety.
- Company: Join HM Prison and Probation Service, dedicated to transforming lives and enhancing community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a Civil Service pension, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Probation Officer qualification and relevant degrees in social work or probation practice.
- Other info: Part-time role based at HMP Leicester, ideal for those passionate about justice and community support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Post holders will undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation under supervision including assessment, sentence implementation and producing reports; utilising service procedures and practice directions to underpin professional judgement.
To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by:
- Providing information and advice to criminal courts, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
- Supervise people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences.
- Contribute to the management of risk.
- Work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
In line with PS 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 undertake. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties:
- To provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
- To undertake 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.
- To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
- To ensure 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 reoffending.
- To attend professional meetings and represent the PS at appropriate partnership forums e.g. MAPPA, MARAC.
- To work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
- To provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
- To undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
- To deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
- To conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and to follow prescribed medication procedures.
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
- To work within the aims and values of PS 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.
Essential Experience:
- Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
- Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
- An understanding and appreciation of equality.
- Experience of working with individuals and groups in order to motivate and change offending behaviour.
- Experience of working with people who have committed offences.
Technical Requirements:
- 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).
- Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
- A working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
- Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools.
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
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
Contact point for applicants:
Name: SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Telephone: 0345 241 5358
Probation Officer - HMP Leicester Part-Time (Ref: 6624) 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 Probation Officer - HMP Leicester Part-Time (Ref: 6624)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Probation Officer, especially those related to risk assessment and offender management. Understanding these tasks will help you articulate your relevant experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former probation officers to gain insights into the role and the working environment at HMP Leicester. This can provide you with valuable information that may set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in the criminal justice system. Demonstrating your knowledge of recent changes can show your commitment to the field and enhance your credibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for behavioural interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences that align with the key behaviours required for the role, such as making effective decisions and working collaboratively. This preparation can help you respond confidently during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Probation Officer - HMP Leicester Part-Time (Ref: 6624)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Probation Officer. Highlight your relevant experience in offender management and risk assessment.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your Probation Officer qualification and any relevant degrees or diplomas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for working in the criminal justice system. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed diverse communities and motivated individuals to change their behaviour.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your experience working with individuals who have committed offences. Discuss your understanding of equality and diversity, and how it informs your approach to probation work.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Probation Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the tasks mentioned, such as offender management and risk assessment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience working with diverse communities and individuals who have faced social challenges. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've motivated change in behaviour or managed difficult situations.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and National Standards related to the Criminal Justice System. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how this knowledge informs your practice and decision-making.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Probation Officers often work with various agencies and teams. Be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments and how you’ve effectively communicated and influenced others to achieve positive outcomes.