13595 - Senior Probation Officers - Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Probation Service is seeking experienced qualified Probation Officers or existing Senior Probation Officers as candidates for multiple Senior Probation Officer positions. These management roles are open to individuals with the relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Positions are available across various Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) within the region. A merit list will be maintained for 12 months to fill any future vacancies that may arise.

Senior Probation Officers play a crucial role in supporting the Head of Operational Function within PDUs or Functional Teams. They are responsible for line managing Probation Practitioners and may work within specialised teams such as Public Protection, Courts, Interventions, and other bespoke units. The merit list will be used to offer positions as they become available within this period in the following locations:

• Bolton
• Bury & Rochdale
• Manchester North
• Manchester South
• Oldham
• Salford & Trafford
• Stockport & Tameside
• Wigan
• GM Courts & Enforcement: Manchester, Bolton, Wigan, Stockport, Tameside
• Prisons: HMP Manchester, HMP Buckley Hall, HMP Forest Bank, HMP Hindley

Successful candidates will be asked to indicate their preference for a PDU or Functional Team during the interview process, and these preferences will be considered when assigning candidates to vacancies.

Overview of the job

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

Senior Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below:

• 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 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.