At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team within the National Probation Service, ensuring effective service delivery.
- Company: Join the National Probation Service, dedicated to public protection and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a generous pension scheme, and annual leave.
- Other info: This role may require some out-of-hours work and involves sensitive information handling.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant degree and probation qualification.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit.
Summary: 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. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. If relevant to the role, some out of hours working may be required.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties:
- To provide effective management and leadership to the team.
- To be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards.
- To 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.
- To ensure that staff can efficiently and effectively meet the requirements of the NPS' contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as required.
- To access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims.
- To 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.
- To ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targets.
- To contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback.
- To promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery.
- To 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.
- To facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners.
- To play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
- To 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.
- To work within the aims and values of NPS 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 Job Evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.
Person specification:
Qualifications: 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).
Behaviours: We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Developing Self and Others, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together.
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. 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.
Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion: The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Contact point for applicants: Job Contact: SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk Telephone: 0345 241 5358.
Senior Probation Officer - Portsmouth & Isle of Wight - South Central (Fixed Term/Loan) (Ref:6449) employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Probation Officer - Portsmouth & Isle of Wight - South Central (Fixed Term/Loan) (Ref:6449)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Probation Service's policies and procedures. Understanding their commitment to equality and inclusion will not only help you align with their values but also demonstrate your dedication to these principles during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former probation officers to gain insights into the role and the challenges they face. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and show your understanding of the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage team performance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, as this is a key aspect of the Senior Probation Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and issues within the probation service and criminal justice system. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your passion for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Probation Officer - Portsmouth & Isle of Wight - South Central (Fixed Term/Loan) (Ref:6449)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Senior Probation Officer. Focus on your management experience, ability to lead teams, and any specific achievements in probation or community justice.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for community justice and your commitment to equality and inclusion. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you meet the key behaviours outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you have a Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma or similar credentials. Mention any additional training or certifications that are relevant to the role.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Since the selection process will assess your behaviours, think about examples from your past that showcase your leadership, decision-making, and teamwork skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed staff development and performance issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Probation Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties such as team management, performance improvement, and public protection standards. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership abilities. Discuss situations where you've effectively managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance. Highlight your approach to staff development and how you handle underperformance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you access, interpret, and apply performance data. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in service delivery or team performance. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to meet organisational aims.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Given the importance of equality and inclusion in this role, prepare to discuss how you've promoted these values in your previous positions. Share specific instances where you've contributed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.