At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to enhance performance and ensure public protection.
- Company: Join the National Probation Service, committed to equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, generous pension contributions, and annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in probation or criminal justice, with strong management and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The job holder will be expected to manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, and will offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. In line with NPS 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 do.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties:
- Provide effective management and leadership to the team
- Be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards
- Ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost effectively and provide best value in terms of both budget control and realising the organisation\'s strategic aims
- Access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims
- Proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters
- Adopt a consistent, fair and objective standpoint when making decisions in relation to individual staff issues
- Ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targets
- Contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback
- Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery
- Manage financial resources for your area of responsibility as required by your Head of Operational Function and in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies
- To authorise expenditure within financial limits
- In accordance with the business plan, to provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, and represent the NPS as appropriate to the role
- Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners
- Play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team
- Undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
- Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS
Essential Experience:
- Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management) as a Probation Officer or from working within another criminal justice agency or related work context
- Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System and in a multi-disciplinary setting
- Knowledge and understanding of the factors which influence engagement with victims
- Experience of risk management and assessment, understanding of multi- agency risk assessment and management procedures
- Evidence of ability to evaluate practice
- Evidence of ability to provide a practice perspective on policy development
- Experience of working under pressure and fulfilling demanding deadlines
- Experience of working flexibly as a member of a team to achieve performance targets
- Experience of contributing to the provision of effective administration and information systems
- Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and effecting improvements in quality and efficiency
- Able to demonstrate well developed IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reports
- Experience of proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness both internally and externally
- Ability to implement the services health and safety policies
- An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh
Technical requirements:
- Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice
- Or a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007
- The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option), CQSW (with Probation Option)
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
Senior Probation Officer - Full Time - West Berkshire - (Fixed Term/Loan) (South Central) (Ref:[...] in Reading employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
As a Senior Probation Officer in West Berkshire, you will join a dedicated team within the National Probation Service that prioritises equality, inclusion, and professional development. Our supportive work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, while offering flexible working options and access to extensive learning opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. With a generous Civil Service pension and a commitment to public protection, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding career path in the heart of the community.
Contact Details:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Probation Officer - Full Time - West Berkshire - (Fixed Term/Loan) (South Central) (Ref:[...] in Reading
✨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 Senior Probation Officer - Full Time - West Berkshire - (Fixed Term/Loan) (South Central) (Ref:[...] in Reading
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.
