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- Tasks: Manage offenders on probation, assess risks, and produce reports.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, dedicated to improving lives and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a Civil Service pension, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals change their lives and reduce reoffending.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Probation Officer qualification and relevant degrees.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This position is based at NMS Fosse Way, LE18 4WS.
Job Summary
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.
Summary
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
Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below:
- 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.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
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.
Requirements
Technical requirements
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; 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.
Person specification
Professional qualification in probation required for this role.
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.
Selection process details
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.
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 Fosse Way (Ref: 6954) 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 Fosse Way (Ref: 6954)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Criminal Justice System and the specific practices of the Probation Service. Understanding the nuances of offender management and risk assessment tools will give you a solid foundation to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former probation officers to gain insights into the role and its challenges. This can provide you with valuable information that you can reference in your discussions, showing your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Think about specific situations where you've demonstrated effective decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills, as these are key behaviours they will assess.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues and trends within the criminal justice system, particularly those affecting probation services. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Probation Officer - HMP Fosse Way (Ref: 6954)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Probation Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the tasks outlined.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience working with diverse communities and individuals who have faced social or personal difficulties. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to motivate and change offending behaviour.
Showcase Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including any relevant degrees or diplomas in probation practice or social work. Make sure to mention your Probation Officer qualification, as this is essential for the role.
Demonstrate Key Behaviours: The selection process will assess your behaviours such as making effective decisions and working together. Provide examples in your application that showcase these behaviours in action, particularly in challenging situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of a Probation Officer. Familiarise yourself with offender management tasks, risk assessment, and the importance of collaboration with other agencies.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with diverse communities and individuals who have faced social challenges. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully motivated or influenced behaviour change.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
During the interview, be ready to provide examples of how you've made effective decisions in challenging situations. This role requires strong judgement, so illustrating your thought process will be beneficial.
✨Emphasise Equality and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on equality and inclusion in the job description, be sure to express your commitment to these values. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your understanding and appreciation of diversity in your work.
