At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team managing partnership referrals and support services across the South East and Eastern Region.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a key player in the UK's criminal justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Probation Officer with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 46746 - 48760 £ per year.
Senior Probation Officer for the South East and Eastern Referral Operational Support Team. This role will require the successful applicant to work from the interim Service Centre housing the Referral Operational Support team based at Peninsular House, 11 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AQ.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Senior Probation Officer to lead and manage our referral operational support team managing partnership referrals (CRS, CAS3, ROIF) across the South East and Eastern Region. We require a qualified PO, and if possible we want to specify that if they are in a sickness or performance process they cannot apply.
The Referral Operational Support team will see practitioners submitting a single, straightforward form to the referral team, outlining either the specific service required or the issue to be addressed. The Referral Operational Support team, made up of PSO grade staff, will review the information contained within OASys and NDelius and have a conversation with the requesting practitioner to obtain any details to support the quality of the referral. The referral team would then take on the responsibility of managing the process. This includes identifying appropriate pathways, conducting research, liaising with service providers, and completing all necessary paperwork.
This role is for an initial 12 months with a possibility of further extension. This is an important role with the post holder having responsibility for:
- Managing a small team of PSOs completing referral work for all PDUs in KSS and East of England.
- Establishing performance monitoring mechanisms.
- Producing clear guidance for staff to ensure consistent referral practice.
- Supporting the scale-up of referral services as the model expands.
- Liaising with contract management team and service providers.
- Building confidence in the new arrangement ahead of potential expansion to other referral areas.
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
Standard full-time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
- Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
- Pension: The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
- Training: The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
- Networks: The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management.
Eligibility: Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
22209 - Senior Probation Officer - South East and Eastern Referral Operational Support Team - East of England in Ipswich employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 22209 - Senior Probation Officer - South East and Eastern Referral Operational Support Team - East of England in Ipswich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ministry of Justice.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ministry of Justice!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ministry of Justice, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ministry of Justice or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace 22209 - Senior Probation Officer - South East and Eastern Referral Operational Support Team - East of England in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ministry of Justice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ministry of Justice! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
