Probation Service Officer in Northwich

Overview

The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence. This will include assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. The job holder will provide case management support to a full range of people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement. The role includes assessing and managing risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by liaising with courts and criminal justice agencies, managing risk of those on probation subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences, and working with other agencies 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 an understanding of their relevance to the work they do. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. Some out of hours working may be required (e.g. Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting etc.).

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
• Provide case manager support to contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures.
• Use computer-based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure effective referrals to services and facilities and communicate with offender management staff, interventions staff, service providers and external agencies to review progress and associated risks.
• Undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
• Work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
• Provide cover within teams 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 reinforcing pro-social behaviour and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
• Where applicants provide multiple location preferences, reserve lists will be managed in accordance with location preference/s indicated in the application. Appointments are made in merit order for each location; a locational reserve list may be maintained for 12 months. Candidates should only indicate preferences they are prepared to work.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from base location, MoJ sites and/or from home. Some roles may not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Arrangements will be discussed 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 the nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. Details will be discussed at offer stage and on completion of pre-employment checks. Some Civil Service terms and conditions changes may apply to new entrants to the Civil Service and to transfers from other Civil Service employers.

Standard full-time working hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing patterns where they meet the role’s demands. Applications for part-time or flexible working will be considered in accordance with the Flexible Working policy.

Other information includes language requirements (English or Welsh where specified), Civil Service Success Profile behaviours, and competencies relevant to the role, such as:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Qualifications and Competencies

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; experience of helping and/or supporting people who have experienced social and/or personal difficulties.
• Experience in planning and coordinating work.
• Experience of working with groups or individuals to motivate and change behaviour.
• Understanding of equal opportunities and diversity good practice.
• Understanding of factors related to offending (e.g., substance misuse, accommodation issues) and ability to empathise constructively with a range of people.
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of case management.
• Knowledge and understanding of risk management/risk assessment as pertaining to offenders and the impact on victims of crime.
• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation in the workplace.
• Knowledge of the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service.
• Knowledge of the aims and objectives of the Probation Service.
• Technical: Ability to demonstrate high-level numeracy and literacy skills to read, understand and interpret policies and to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders (minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English, Maths).

Benefits & Other Information

• Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job-share posts is pro-rata.
• Pension: The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via GMPF. Eligibility details available on the GMPF site.
• Training: Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Networks: Employee networks exist for minority groups, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ staff.
• Eligibility: All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to commencing employment.
• Support: Family-friendly policies, flexible benefits, childcare support information, paid parental leave, and other entitlements are available.
• Integrity and recruitment: The Civil Service Code and merit-based recruitment principles apply; access to guidance for concerns about recruitment processes.