Community Payback placement coordinator

Overview

This is a high-profile role within Probation Services (PS) responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with current and future partner organisations, customers and stakeholders, including voluntary and statutory organisations. The post holder ensures that sufficient work placements meeting the quality standards set out in the Community Payback Guidance are available so that the sentence of the Court can be carried out effectively, and supports the CP Manager to ensure placements meet policy objectives and comply with legislation. Weekend work may be required as part of the normal pattern of working.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Find and assess a wide range of suitable Community Payback placements, including opportunities for service user training and future employment, and placements appropriate for people with protective characteristics.
• Assess the viability of income generation opportunities within new placements, discuss with beneficiaries and manage the process to maximise potential.
• Complete a schedule of safe working practices for work and create a project file in accordance with Health and Safety standards.
• Promote positive relationships with beneficiaries and stakeholders, including meetings and site visits, to manage relationships and promote a positive perception of the Probation Service with community networks.
• Ensure a safe working environment for staff, service users and beneficiaries on all Community Payback work sites in compliance with Health and Safety legislation and PS policy.
• Ensure placements remain compliant with quality requirements and take action to improve or discontinue placements where standards cannot be met.
• Coordinate tools, equipment, appropriate clothing and PPE and other resources for placements; ensure equipment complies with Health and Safety requirements and that users are trained to use it safely.
• Provide Health and Safety training to staff as needed and in line with the service delivery plan.
• Support investigations into Health and Safety incidents; ensure serious incidents and near misses are reported and lessons are shared within the team.
• Support electronic and social media channels to receive nominations for new placements and promote Community Payback within PS guidelines.
• Liaise with probation practitioners to exchange information and maintain appropriate working arrangements.
• Participate in rota planning, deliver and review the service user induction.
• Recruit, support and coordinate Mentors who encourage service user compliance and engagement with local support networks.
• Cover the CP supervisor role when required to avoid cancellation of placements for operational reasons.
• Contribute to training of CP supervisors and beneficiaries; establish and maintain working relationships with stakeholders to ensure sufficient Community Payback placements, including opportunities for on-the-job training and education to develop skills and employment prospects.
• Be prepared to work weekends when needed to cover CP supervisors or site visits (e.g., schools not accessible on weekdays) and note that weekend work may receive higher pay.

Working Arrangements

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business needs allow. Roles may involve working from base location, MoJ sites, or from home, and some roles may not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Arrangements are discussed and agreed with successful candidates and reviewed regularly. Salaries and location details will be discussed at offer stage, with standard hours typically 37 hours per week.

New entrants to the Civil Service will join at the entry point salary for the advertised band. Existing Civil Servants will have salary terms as per transfer/promotion rules. HMPPS supports part-time, flexible and job-sharing patterns where they meet role and business needs.

Benefits and Additional Information

The MoJ offers a range of benefits including annual leave (25 days on appointment, rising to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays), pension via LGPS, training and development opportunities, and employee networks. Civil Service success criteria and security checks apply. This role requires full UK Manual Driving Licence (automatic-only licences are not eligible).

Qualifications and Experience

• UK Manual Driving Licence (required to apply).
• Experience working as part of a team and promoting a strong team ethos; ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders and represent the organisation at meetings.
• Experience conducting workplace reviews to assess compliance with quality standards; IOSH Level 3 or Managing Safely qualification is desirable.
• Ability to drive a Minibus D1 and trailer.
• Qualified as an assessor for NVQ awards for service users (e.g., OCN) and strong communication skills.

Equality, diversity and inclusion: The Civil Service is committed to fair and open competition and to providing adjustments during the recruitment process for candidates with disabilities where reasonable.