Probation Officer - Wirral (Ref: 11853) in Birkenhead

Probation Officer - Wirral (Ref: 11853) in Birkenhead

Birkenhead Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
HM Prison and Probation Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide professional advice and assessments to support offenders on probation.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team within the Criminal Justice System.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a Civil Service pension, and generous annual leave.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enhancing community safety.
  • Qualifications: Must hold a Probation Officer qualification and relevant degrees.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Responsibilities

  • 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. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Qualifications

  • You must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
  • In addition, successful candidates must hold the following: PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; 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.

Benefits

  • 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.

Recruitment Process

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the following link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality Requirements

  • 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)
  • Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for 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

Security Checks

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Probation Officer - Wirral (Ref: 11853) in Birkenhead employer: HM Prison and Probation Service

As a Probation Officer in Wirral, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and work-life balance. With access to comprehensive training opportunities and a generous Civil Service pension scheme, this role offers a meaningful career path where you can make a real difference in the community while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity.

HM Prison and Probation Service

Contact Details:

HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Probation Officer - Wirral (Ref: 11853) in Birkenhead

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at HM Prison and Probation Service.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from HM Prison and Probation Service!

Showcase Your Passion and Expertise

Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like HM Prison and Probation Service, will notice your enthusiasm!

Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at HM Prison and Probation Service or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Probation Officer - Wirral (Ref: 11853) in Birkenhead

Professional Advice and Assessment
Report Writing
Offender Management
Risk Assessment
Computer-Based Systems Proficiency
Effective Communication
Collaboration and Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to HM Prison and Probation Service:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to HM Prison and Probation Service! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.