At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and manage risks to protect victims and the public while supervising probationers.
- Company: Join the London Probation Service, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, a solid pension plan, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Gain extensive training and development opportunities with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals change their lives and reduce reoffending.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 40000 £ per year.
To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the public by providing information and advice, supervising probationers, contributing to risk management, and working with agencies to prevent crime.
Responsibilities
- Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, and partners.
- Undertake offender management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk.
- Use computer‑based systems to produce, update, and maintain records within agreed timescales.
- Ensure timely referrals and relationships between offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons, and external agencies.
- Attend professional meetings and represent the PS at partnership forums (e.g., MAPPA, MARAC).
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships, and provide guidance to PSOs and other staff.
- Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
- Attend prison, home, or alternate location visits as required.
- Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
- Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow medication procedures.
- Carry out safeguarding duties for children per statutory responsibilities.
- Model pro‑social behaviour, reinforce positive attitudes, and challenge anti‑social behaviour.
- Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
- Accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of similar level.
- Communicate effective English; Welsh may be required in Wales.
Behaviours
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced social/personal difficulties.
- Experience of working with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity.
- Understanding and appreciation of equality.
- Motivating and changing offending behaviour.
- Experience of working with people who have committed offences.
Technical Requirements
- Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
- Probation Officer qualifications: PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation; or Diploma in Probation Studies or Social Work (Probation option); or CQSW (Probation option).
- Knowledge and understanding 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.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years; pro‑rata for part‑time.
- Pension: National Probation Service covered by Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
- Training and development: extensive opportunities provided by the Ministry of Justice.
- Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share, flexible benefits.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave; free annual sight tests.
- Hybrid working arrangements where business need allows.
Probation Officer - London Probation Service employer: Ministry of Justice
The London Probation Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With extensive training opportunities provided by the Ministry of Justice, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to family-friendly policies, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Probation Officer - London Probation Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former probation officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even help you land an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions related to risk management and offender behaviour. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! During interviews, highlight experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This is key in the probation field, so make sure they know you’re a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Probation Officer - London Probation Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Probation Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on any work you've done with diverse communities or individuals facing social challenges. We want to see how you've motivated change and managed risk in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:In your written reports and application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get to the heart of the matter quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and National Standards, as well as evidence-based practices and risk assessment tools. This will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience working with diverse communities and individuals who have faced social or personal difficulties. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to motivate and change offending behaviour, as this is crucial for the role of a Probation Officer.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so think about times when you've worked effectively within a team. Be prepared to share how you’ve maintained effective relationships with colleagues and contributed to a positive team environment. This will help illustrate your ability to work together with others.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be providing professional advice and written reports, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, focus on your communication skills, ensuring you can convey complex information in an understandable way. This will be vital for representing the service at partnership forums.
