A qualified Probation Officer post in the Bedfordshire PDU of the National Probation Service, part of HMPPS within the Ministry of Justice. Duties span the full range of offender management, including assessment, supervision on community orders and licences, and reports for courts and the Parole Board. The caseload includes people assessed at high and very high risk of serious harm, and the post co-leads accredited programmes, with hybrid working where business need allows. Candidates need a Probation Officer qualification and the right to work in the UK under civil service nationality rules.
What the job involves
- Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, criminal justice agencies and partners
- Undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people at all levels of risk, including high and very high
- Supervise people on probation on community orders, licences and during custodial sentences
- Use computer systems to produce and maintain records within agreed timescales
- Make timely referrals and build working relationships with court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons and external agencies
- Attend professional meetings and partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC
- Work with colleagues and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers and other staff
- Provide cover within own team and to other teams as required
- Undertake prison, home or other location visits as required
- Deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade
- Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow prescribed medication procedures
- Carry out safeguarding children duties and demonstrate pro-social modelling
What’s required
Qualifications
- Probation Officer qualification or qualified Probation Officer status
- 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)
Experience
- Working with people who have experienced a range of social or personal difficulties
- Working with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity
- Motivating individuals and groups to change offending behaviour
- Working with people who have committed offences
Skills & knowledge
- Understanding and appreciation of equality
- Knowledge 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
- Spoken English to carry out all aspects of the role (Welsh where specified in Wales)
Checks & eligibility
- DBS standard check
- Security and identity checks before taking up post
- Right to work under civil service nationality rules
What’s offered
- 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 after five years, plus public holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund
- Extensive training and development opportunities
- Employee-run networks for minority groups, disabled staff, carers, women and LGBT+ staff
- Family friendly policies, including reduced hours and job share
- Flexible benefits, voluntary benefits and discounts on goods and services
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
