Probation Officer Based in Prison in Bridgend

Probation officers are responsible for managing the risk posed by people on probation, protecting victims of crime and the general public by providing professional advice, assessment, and coordinated support across the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, and other criminal justice agencies.
• Conduct the full range of offender-management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk – including high and very high risk.
• Use computer‑based systems to produce, update, and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely and effective referrals to and coordination with offender management, court teams, Victim Contact Units, interventions, approved premises, prisons, and external agencies to enhance positive outcomes, manage risk, and reduce reoffending.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the Probation Service at partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Collaborate with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships, and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Service Officers and other staff as appropriate.
• Cover within your team and support other teams as required.
• Attend prison, home, or other alternate location visits as required.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour, challenging anti‑social behaviour, and maintaining the values of the Probation Service and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.
• Be prepared to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level, subject to the applicable Job Evaluation Scheme.

Qualifications

• Holding a Probation Officer qualification or equivalence: a PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; a Diploma in Probation Studies; a Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or a CQSW (Probation option).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System, the Probation Service, evidence‑based practice, risk and needs assessment tools, relevant legislation, and national standards.
• Proficiency in English; Welsh is desirable where the post is located in Wales.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

All applicants will be assessed fairly and without prejudice. In line with Probation Service policies and procedures, the successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and understand how these principles apply to their work.

Nationality and Eligibility

UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, and nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK. Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and their family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme 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.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days (increasing to 30 days after five years of service), plus public holidays.
• Prison allowance available.
• Participation in the National Probation Service pension scheme through the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.