Probation Officer - HMP The Mount - East of England in Hemel Hempstead

Post holders will undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation under supervision including assessment, sentence implementation and producing reports; utilising service procedures and practice directions to underpin professional judgement.

To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by providing advice to courts, supervising probation, contributing to risk management, working with agencies to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports, to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• Undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk of serious harm including high and very high.
• Use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely and effective referrals to, and relationships between, 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 PS at appropriate partnership forums e.g. MAPPA, MARAC.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and 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.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
• Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Experience of working with individuals and groups to motivate and change offending behaviour.
• Experience of working with people who have committed offences.
• Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or Diploma in Probation Studies; or Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or CQSW (Probation option).
• Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Working Arrangements

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This includes working from a base location, MoJ sites, or home. Hybrid Working may not be suitable for all roles and will be discussed with the successful candidate.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Family Friendly policies, including reduced hours or job share.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Alternative government childcare support available.