Probation Officers in Chester

Senior Probation Officer

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, managing and leading staff within the operational area.

They also provide support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence.

The holder must demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and will adhere to all policies regarding sensitive/confidential information.

Hybrid Working Arrangements

Hybrid Working arrangements are offered where business need allows, blending work from your base location, other Mo J sites and/or from home.

This role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and reviewed regularly.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards.
• Ensure team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost‑effectively and deliver best value in terms of budget control and strategic aims.
• Ensure staff meet the requirements of the NPS contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans.
• Access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data proactively to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims.
• Proactively manage staff development, under‑performance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters, adopting a consistent, fair and objective approach.
• Ensure offender managers manage risk appropriately and meet all public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute directly to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery.
• Manage financial resources for your area of responsibility, authorise expenditure within limits and act in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies.
• Provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, representing the NPS as appropriate.
• Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners.
• Play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
• Undertake specific areas of responsibility delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills, reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Work within the aims and values of the NPS and HMPPS.
• Accept reasonable alterations or additional tasks of a similar level as may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in settings that include offender risk assessment and management, as a Probation Officer or within another criminal justice agency or related context.
• Understanding of the role of the Probation Service within the criminal justice system and in a multi‑disciplinary setting.
• Knowledge of the factors that influence engagement with victims.
• Experience of risk management and assessment, and multi‑agency risk assessment and management procedures.
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and provide a practice perspective on policy development.
• Experience of working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines.
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team to achieve performance targets.
• Experience contributing to effective administration and information systems.
• Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and improving quality and efficiency.
• Well‑developed IT skills, with the ability to interpret and apply performance reports.
• Experience championing diversity and inclusiveness internally and externally.
• Ability to implement health and safety policies.
• Confidence in spoken English (and Welsh where required in Wales).
• Probation
• Qualification

Framework: Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with a Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or a qualification recognised by the Secretary of State for Justice under Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007 (e. g., Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work with Probation Option, CQSW with Probation Option).

• DBS check (Standard) required.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years of service. Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts is pro‑rated.
• Pension: Included in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of Justice.
• Employee networks: Networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, disability, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Family‑friendly policies: Reduced hours, job share, flexible hours, and support for childcare.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
• Equal Opportunity

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. The Ministry of Justice is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

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