Probation Services Officer - Plymouth (South West) (Ref: 9644)

Overview

Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. Probation Services Officers can help make a real difference to people\\\'s lives. The role offers on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service.

As a PSO, you\\\'ll work with medium and lower risk clients. You will manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence, assess and manage risks, provide information to courts, and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system. You will also provide practical support to offenders, including housing and employment guidance, or simply listening and empathising.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. You will provide case management support to a full range of people on probation, using service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.

• Assess and manage risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the public.
• Liaise, provide information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and partner agencies.
• Supervise and manage risk for those on probation subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
• Work with other agencies to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
• Carry out safeguarding duties in accordance with PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills and challenge anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
• Undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required and work in court settings, including reporting on cases and prosecution of breaches.
• Deliver and co-lead accredited programmes and conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required.
• Provide cover within teams as required and contribute to risk management plans; report significant changes relating to risk of harm or reoffending.
• Use computer-based systems to maintain records within agreed timescales; ensure effective referrals to services and communicate with staff and external agencies to review progress and risks.
• Carry out duties in line with service procedures and policies; undertake work with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and support the Probation Officer in high-risk cases.

Requirements & Qualifications

You do not need a degree for this role. Personal qualities are important: empathy, patience and resilience. Good writing skills are essential, including the ability to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.

There is no requirement for Welsh language skills unless specified for the Wales role. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role in English or Welsh is expected where applicable.

Working Arrangements & Benefits

• Out-of-hours work may be required (e.g., Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting).
• Access to learning and development; flexible working options to enhance work-life balance.
• Inclusive culture and Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Annual Leave, Public Holidays, Season Ticket Advance.

Selection & Additional Information

This vacancy uses Success Profiles to assess Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience. Feedback is provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline security checks where applicable.

Nationality requirements and other civil service details follow standard Civil Service recruitment principles, with equity and inclusion at the core. The Civil Service also outlines diversity, inclusion strategies and related schemes.

Starting Salary

Starting salary: £26,475.