At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate offender management, ensuring high-quality practice and effective partnerships.
- Company: Join the National Probation Service, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in offender management and a relevant qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Integrated Offender Management (IOM) Senior Probation Officer provides leadership, coordination and assurance for the delivery of IOM across County Durham and Darlington, ensuring consistent, high‑quality practice for identified IOM cohorts. The post supports effective partnership working with police, local authorities and commissioned services, promotes best practice, and provides operational oversight to drive improved outcomes for individuals subject to IOM arrangements.
Responsibilities
- Provide effective management and leadership to the team
- Ensure quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards
- Deploy staff resources and interventions cost effectively and provide best value in terms of budget control
- Ensure staff meet the requirements of the NPS’ contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies and local business plans
- Analyse performance data to maximise LDU/team performance and deliver organisational aims
- Manage staff development, underperformance, attendance, health & safety, employee relations and diversity matters fairly and objectively
- Ensure offender managers manage risk appropriately and meet public protection standards and targets
- Contribute to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback
- Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery
- Manage financial resources for the area of responsibility and authorise expenditure within limits
- Lead work with partners and key stakeholders and represent the NPS as appropriate
- Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners
- Play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team
- Undertake specific areas of responsibility delegated by the Head of Operational Function
- Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills and challenge anti‑social behaviour and attitudes
- Carry out safeguarding children duties per statutory responsibilities and agency policies
- Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS
Behaviours
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
Qualifications
Essential Experience
- Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings, including offender risk assessment and management, as a Probation Officer or within another criminal justice agency
- Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System and in multi‑disciplinary settings
- Knowledge of factors influencing victim engagement
- Experience of risk management and assessment, including multi‑agency procedures
- Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and provide practice perspectives on policy development
- Experience of working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines
- Experience of working flexibly as part of a team to achieve performance targets
- Experience of effective administration and information systems
- Able to manage and support change and drive improvements in quality and efficiency
- Well developed IT skills, including interpretation and application of performance reports
- Ability to champion diversity and inclusiveness internally and externally
- Ability to implement health and safety policies
Technical Requirements
Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice Or a recognised qualification at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007, including Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) and CQSW (with Probation Option).
Eligibility
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31‑December‑2020
- Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with the accrued right to work in the Civil Service
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service (pro‑rata for part‑time and job share posts)
- National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund
- Access to extensive training and development opportunities
- Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees
- Family‑friendly policies, including reduced hours, job share, and flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens
Working Arrangements & Working Hours
The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, other MoJ sites and / or from home. The role can only be worked in the UK. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns are considered where they meet the demands of the role and business needs.
Salary & Recruitment
New entrants will be placed at the entry point salary for the advertised band. Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules. The position currently advertises without VISOR Vetting to enable appointment to take place as soon as possible; VISOR vetting will be required to complete in due course.
Recruitment Process
Applications are assessed via CV/Work History and a Statement of Suitability. The interview stage includes an assessment of behaviours and technical questions. This role requires a standard DBS check and the use of artificial intelligence in the application must be truthful and original.
Senior Probation Officer - Integrated Offender Management (IOM) employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Senior Probation Officer with the National Probation Service in County Durham and Darlington, you will join an organisation committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With access to extensive training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a positive impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Probation Officer - Integrated Offender Management (IOM)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ministry of Justice.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ministry of Justice!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ministry of Justice, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ministry of Justice or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Probation Officer - Integrated Offender Management (IOM)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ministry of Justice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ministry of Justice! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
