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- Tasks: Support offenders in turning their lives around through assessment and management.
- Company: Join the National Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, annual leave, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while building a rewarding career with on-the-job training.
- Qualifications: No degree needed; empathy, patience, and good writing skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; part-time and job-sharing considered.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 29400 £ per year.
Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. There are many reasons to join the Probation Service. What will yours be?
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £26,475. The Probation Service offers the opportunity for annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF), which if eligible, will see your pay increase. CBF is designed to enable you to move up through the pay band range as your competence grows.
About the Role
Probation services officers can help make a real difference to people’s lives. It’s not always easy to help someone turn their life around, but it can be immensely rewarding. We’re looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. As well as making a difference to others, the role offers plenty of on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service.
As a PSO, you’ll have a similar job to a fully qualified probation officer. The main difference is you’ll work with medium and lower risk clients. Day-to-day, you’ll manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence. We’ll look to you to assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system. You’ll also do everything you can to support offenders.
About You
You don’t need a degree for this role. We’re much more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you’ll be empathetic, patient and resilient. Good writing skills are also essential. You must be able to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.
Overview of the job
The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence. This will include assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. The job holder will provide case management support to a full range of people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that 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:
- Liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies.
- Supervise and manage risk of those people on probation subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
- 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 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.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and to support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
- When providing case manager support, to contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or of reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures.
- To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
- Ensure effective referrals to services and facilities and communicate with offender management staff, interventions staff, service providers and external agencies to review progress and associated risks.
- To undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
- To undertake work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
- To provide cover within teams 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.
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English.
Additional Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home. Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working.
The MoJ offers a range of benefits: Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
Training: The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Support: A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
6430 - Probation Services Officer East Berkshire, Bracknell & Slough, (South Central) employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 6430 - Probation Services Officer East Berkshire, Bracknell & Slough, (South Central)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Probation Services Officer. Understanding the day-to-day tasks, such as managing caseloads and conducting risk assessments, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting individuals facing social or personal difficulties. This could be through volunteer work, previous jobs, or even personal experiences that showcase your empathy and resilience.
✨Tip Number 3
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 to discuss during your interview and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for situational questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past where you've had to make tough decisions or manage conflicts, as these are crucial skills for a Probation Services Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace 6430 - Probation Services Officer East Berkshire, Bracknell & Slough, (South Central)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on any experience you have working with individuals facing social or personal difficulties. Use specific examples to demonstrate your empathy, patience, and resilience, as these qualities are essential for the role.
Emphasise Writing Skills: Since good writing skills are crucial for this position, make sure to showcase your ability to produce clear and accurate reports. Include examples of past reports or documentation you've created, especially under tight deadlines.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Probation Services Officer role. Mention your understanding of risk management and your commitment to equality and inclusion, as these are key aspects of the job.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Anticipate behavioural questions that may arise during the interview process. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've made effective decisions, worked collaboratively, and managed quality service in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Probation Services Officer, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals facing personal challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with clients and understand their needs.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Good writing and verbal communication skills are essential for this role. During the interview, be clear and concise in your responses. You might also want to prepare a brief report or case study to showcase your ability to produce accurate documentation under tight deadlines.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
The role can be challenging, so it's important to convey your resilience. Share specific instances where you've faced difficulties and how you overcame them. This will show that you're capable of handling the pressures of the job.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks of a Probation Services Officer. Be ready to discuss how you would manage a caseload, assess risks, and collaborate with other agencies. Showing that you understand the complexities of the role will set you apart from other candidates.