Probation services officers

Overview

Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples\’ lives. We\’re looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. The role offers on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service. As a PSO, you\’ll have a similar job to a fully qualified probation officer, but you will work with medium and lower risk clients. You will manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence, assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system, and support offenders with practical advice about housing and employment or through listening and empathising.

The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports, and will provide case management support to a full range of people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Assess and manage the risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by: liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies; supervise and manage risk of those on probation subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences; work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
• Carry out 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.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management Plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or of reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures while providing case manager support.
• 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.
• Undertake 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 PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by reinforcing pro-social behaviour and challenging anti-social behaviour.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

Location, Working Arrangements & Selection

Where applicants provide multiple location preferences, there are merit-based appointment processes and locational reserve lists managed by preference. Appointments are made in merit order, with locations offered as vacancies arise. Hybrid working arrangements may be available where business needs allow, subject to discussion and agreement with the successful candidate(s). Some roles may require working in MoJ offices or at other sites; details will be discussed and agreed on appointment and subject to pre-employment checks. Standard full-time hours are 37 per week, with part-time, flexible and job-sharing options considered where they meet role demands.

New entrants are expected to join at the minimum of the pay band. No degree is required; personal qualities and experience with people who have social or personal difficulties are valued. Good writing skills and the ability to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines are essential. You must be able to communicate effectively in English (and Welsh where specified in Wales).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; experience in helping and/or supporting people who have experienced social or personal difficulties; experience in planning and coordinating work; ability to motivate and change behaviour in groups or individuals; commitment to equal opportunities and diversity practices.
• Understanding of factors related to offending (e.g., substance misuse, accommodation issues) and ability to empathise constructively; understanding of case management principles; knowledge of risk management/risk assessment as it relates to offenders and the impact on victims; knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service.
• Minimum literacy/numeracy: high level numeracy and literacy to read, understand and interpret policies and write reports; typically minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths.

Benefits & Additional Information

• Salary starting at £26,475; Civil Service benefits including annual leave, pension arrangements, flexible working, family-friendly policies, and access to networks and development opportunities.
• Security and identity checks are required prior to taking up post. This role may require out-of-hours work (courts, approved premises, programmes, evening reporting, etc.).
• As a Disability Confident employer, adjustments during recruitment and in the workplace are available. A short Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT) is part of the application process, followed by interview if successful.
• Eligibility for redeployment opportunities and veteran supports may apply.