Probation services officers

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 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 involves liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies, supervising and managing risk for those on 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. The holder must demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion, and adhere to all policies regarding the sensitive and confidential nature of the information handled.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and support Probation Officers in high risk cases.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or re‑offending or 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; communicate with offender management staff, intervention 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 consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes.
• Work within the aims and values of Probation Services and HMPPS.
• Liaise, provide 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Experience of helping and/or supporting people who have experienced a range of 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 and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice.
• Understanding of factors related to offending (e.g. substance misuse, accommodation issues) and ability to emphasise constructively with a range of people.
• Understanding of 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 and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service.
• Knowledge of the aims and objectives of the Probation Service.
• High level numeracy and literacy skills; minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English and Maths).
• Strong writing skills required to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of the principles of case management, health & safety, risk assessment and the criminal justice system.
• Experience of working with agencies and groups in the justice system.

Location and Working Arrangements

Successful applicants may be based at a wide variety of office, court, team or prison locations within the Probation Service region. Allocations will be made according to business need. The role offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows.