At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex cases in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on offender personality disorder projects in Lancashire.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with health professionals and engage in meaningful community partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of high-risk individuals while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing high-risk individuals and knowledge of personality disorders required.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
23875 - Senior Probation Officer - Personality Disorder Projects - Lancashire
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Lancashire OPD for a Senior Probation Officer (SPO) role on a part-time basis (0.6).
The Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Partnership brings together Health and Probation to work with some of the most complex, high-risk men and women who meet the OPD criteria, and to support those working with them.
In Lancashire, there is also a strong connection with Enhanced Reconnect and services from across the Third sector.
The role is structured as a split post, with three days per week (0.6 FTE) dedicated to the OPD Pathway and two days per week (0.4 FTE) focused on developing and maintaining external partnerships.
The post-holder base will be negotiable, though there is an expectation that the team will come together regularly - usually at Diadem House.
You will be line managed by the Regional OPD Senior Leader and be part of an environment that is committed to learning and developing together, with support from colleagues working in OPD services across the North West.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Manage and provide leadership to specialist Probation Officers and other staff within OPD services.
- Ensure cases are allocated appropriately and workloads are managed effectively.
- Maintain oversight of high-risk and complex cases.
- Ensure compliance with probation policies, safeguarding requirements and public protection procedures.
- Clinical and Psychological Partnership Working
- Work closely with Clinical Leads and NHS partners in delivering the OPD pathway.
- Support the use of psychological formulations to inform sentence management and risk management.
- Promote psychologically informed approaches across probation services.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary decision-making regarding Pi P and Po P.
- Risk Management and Public Protection
- Provide management oversight for individuals assessed as high or very high risk of serious harm.
- Ensure robust assessment and management of risk.
- Support staff in managing challenging behaviours, safeguarding concerns, and public protection issues.
- Participate in MAPPA and other multi-agency forums where appropriate.
- Consultation and Workforce Development
- Support delivery of case consultation and formulation processes.
- Facilitate reflective practice and psychologically informed supervision.
- Develop practitioner confidence and capability in working with personality difficulties.
- Deliver or coordinate learning and workforce development activities.
- Quality Assurance and Professional Standards
- Review casework, reports and assessments.
- Provide feedback and coaching to practitioners.
- Ensure management oversight frameworks are applied consistently.
- Monitor performance and service outcomes.
- Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop productive relationships with NHS providers, Approved Premises, prisons and community agencies.
- Contribute to service development and pathway improvement.
- Represent OPD services within local and regional governance structures.
- Work alongside OPD Senior Co-Commissioners to develop and deliver quality services in the Lancashire sub-region.
The post holder will also be required to undertake the following
- Oversee multi-agency partnership arrangements within the three Lancashire MASH hubs, supporting HMPPS safeguarding activity across Lancashire.
- Support the training and development of probation staff in relation to local child and adult safeguarding procedures and processes.
- Attend monthly MASH operational meetings and participate in multi-agency audits.
- Oversee arrangements for the delivery of MARAC.
- Support PDUs and Court Teams by providing advice and improving referral pathways and communication.
- Support the Business Manager in the management and deployment of Case Administrators working within partnership locations.
- Work collaboratively with the Health and Justice Team, EPOP, and Regional Commissioning and Contracts Team to strengthen pathways and relationships with third-sector organisations across Lancashire.
- Support developments relating to neurodiversity and chair the Lancashire Autism Justice Board.
- Lead partnership work relating to women in the justice system and chair the Female Justice Partnership Board.
Person Specification
- Extensive experience of managing complex, high-risk individuals.
- Knowledge of personality disorder, trauma-informed practice and risk management.
- Experience of leading staff and providing professional supervision.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, MAPPA, and public protection processes.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication, decision-making and leadership skills.
- Demonstrable commitment to working compassionately and relationally with colleagues and people on probation.
- Experience within OPD, PIPE, IIRMS or psychologically informed services.
- Experience of reflective practice, consultation, or formulation-led approaches.
- Knowledge of personality disorder theory and psychologically informed environments.
- Experience of collaborative working with psychology and health professionals.
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23875 - Senior Probation Officer - Personality Disorder Projects - Lancashire in Preston 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 23875 - Senior Probation Officer - Personality Disorder Projects - Lancashire in Preston
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Ministry of Justice, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Ministry of Justice. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Ministry of Justice's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace 23875 - Senior Probation Officer - Personality Disorder Projects - Lancashire in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Ministry of Justice. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Ministry of Justice.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Ministry of Justice.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a 23875 - Senior Probation Officer - Personality Disorder Projects - Lancashire at Ministry of Justice.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Ministry of Justice that you're ready to hit the ground running in the 23875 - Senior Probation Officer - Personality Disorder Projects - Lancashire role.
