Probation Officer - Youth Offending Services

Overview

To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the public by:

• Providing information and advice to criminal courts, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• Supervising people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences.
• Contributing to the management of risk.
• Working with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.

In line with PS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and understand their relevance to the work they undertake. The post holder must adhere to all policies regarding the sensitive/confidential nature of information handled in this position.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• 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).
• Collaborate 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 PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and are subject to regular review. Nationally advertised roles may be appointed to a MoJ office location (which may include a Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office).

Terms and Conditions

• Standard full time hours: 37 hours per week (excluding breaks which are unpaid).
• MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role and business needs.
• Flexible Working policy applies for part-time and job-sharing arrangements.

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience of working with a wide variety of people with 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 equivalent.

• Technical requirements: You must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer. In addition, successful candidates must hold the following:

• 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.

• Other information: You must fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through English or Welsh where specified.

Benefits and Equality

• A range of family-friendly policies and flexible benefits.
• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays. Leave pro-rated for part-time roles.
• Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via GMPF.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Networks for minority groups and support, including arrangements for disabled candidates and veterans.
• Security and identity checks will be completed prior to appointment.

Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code applies. We recruit on merit by fair and open competition. Disability Confident recruitment and reasonable adjustments are available in the application process.