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- Tasks: Support offenders in turning their lives around and manage caseloads effectively.
- Company: Join the Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,475 with annual pay progression and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with various locations and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, resilience, and good writing skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 29625 £ per year.
Overview
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. Probation Service also increase their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will also apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable.
About the role
Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples’ 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. That’s not to say it’ll be easy. There’s no doubt this is a challenging role.
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. This could involve everything from providing practical advice about housing and employment to simply listening and empathising.
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.
About us
By managing offenders in the community, the Probation Service protects the public from the effect of crime and gives offenders the chance to turn their lives around. Join us and you’ll be part of a supportive team that thrives on sharing knowledge and expertise.
Successful applicants may be based a wide variety of office, court, team or prison locations within the Probation Service region. Allocations will be made according to business need. To find out more about working as a Probation Service Officer please click here: Probation services officer – Ministry of Justice
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.
Responsibilities, Activities & 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.
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9644 - Probation Services Officer - Plymouth (South West) employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 9644 - Probation Services Officer - Plymouth (South West)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former probation services officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider info about the role and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to empathy and resilience. Think of real-life examples where you've helped someone through a tough time – it’ll show you’ve got what it takes!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’re all about making things easy for you, so don’t miss out on any opportunities by applying directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace 9644 - Probation Services Officer - Plymouth (South West)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy: In your application, let us see your empathetic side! Share experiences where you've helped others or shown understanding in challenging situations. This role is all about making a difference, so we want to know how you connect with people.
Be Clear and Concise: Good writing skills are essential for this role, so make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We need to see that you can produce accurate reports under tight deadlines!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have a degree, your personal qualities and experiences matter! Talk about any work you've done with people facing social or personal difficulties. We’re looking for resilience and patience, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure you apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the Probation Service there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Probation Services Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing caseloads and supporting offenders. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since empathy is crucial in this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown understanding and support to others. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these qualities when working with offenders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Practice responding to situations you might face as a PSO, such as handling non-compliance or managing difficult conversations with clients.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Good writing skills are essential for producing reports. During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might also be asked to provide written examples, so be prepared to showcase your ability to communicate effectively.