At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage offenders on probation, assess risks, and provide professional reports.
- Company: Join the HM Prison Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a Civil Service pension, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Probation Officer qualification or relevant degree/diploma.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and collaboration with various agencies.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
This position is based at HM PRISON ISLE OF WIGHT - ALBANY HOUSE NEWPORT, PO30 5RS, HM PRISON ISLE OF WIGHT - PARKHURST - MAIN KITCHEN NEWPORT, PO30 5NX.
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.
Person Specification
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 will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- 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 and Public Holidays.
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: Candidate Information Page
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
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further Information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact
Name: SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Telephone: 0345 241 5358
Recruitment Team
Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Public Interest Transfer - Qualified Probation Officer - HMP Isle of Wight (South Central) (Ref[...] 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 Public Interest Transfer - Qualified Probation Officer - HMP Isle of Wight (South Central) (Ref[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific offender management tasks outlined in the job description. Understanding these responsibilities will help you articulate your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former probation officers to gain insights into the role and the working environment at HMP Isle of Wight. This can provide you with valuable information that may come in handy during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences that demonstrate skills like teamwork, decision-making, and communication. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the values and mission of the Probation Service and HMPPS. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely committed to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Interest Transfer - Qualified Probation Officer - HMP Isle of Wight (South Central) (Ref[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Probation Officer. Highlight key tasks such as offender management, risk assessment, and collaboration with other agencies.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your qualifications in probation practice and any related skills that demonstrate your ability to manage offenders effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your understanding of the importance of rehabilitation and public safety. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your suitability for the position.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Anticipate behavioural interview questions based on the competencies listed in the job description. Prepare examples that demonstrate your skills in communication, decision-making, and teamwork, as these are crucial for a Probation Officer.
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 duties of a Probation Officer. Familiarise yourself with offender management tasks, risk assessment, and the importance of collaboration with other agencies.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on equality and inclusion in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you have applied these principles in your previous roles. Share specific examples that highlight your understanding and commitment to these values.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The selection process will assess your behaviours, so practice answering behavioural questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Think of scenarios where you demonstrated skills like communication, decision-making, and teamwork.
✨Showcase Your Professionalism and Confidentiality
As a Probation Officer, handling sensitive information is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you maintain confidentiality and professionalism in your work. This could include examples of how you've managed sensitive situations in the past.