At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support strategic operations within the National Probation Service.
- Company: Join a vital public service making a difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes lives and promotes social justice.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Probation Officer with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 51203 - 56111 £ per year.
Location: Corporation House, 9 Corporation Rd, Darlington DL3 6TH, UK; Durham, UK; Peterlee, UK; Greenwell Rd, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4DH, UK
Salary: 51,203 - 56,111 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Social Work
Posted: Valid to: Apply: HM Prison & Probation Service
Job summary
Please refer to the Job Description
Overview of the job
Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function the post holder will be deployed to a variety of roles in order to provide strategic support.
Summary
To support the Head of LDU Cluster providing management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) Local Delivery Unit (LDU). To represent the Head of LDU Cluster with external agencies/stakeholders and staff as appropriate. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours on call rota.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
- Senior Operational Support Manager may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities as directed by the Head of Operational Function.
- Cluster operational lead on caseload segmentation issues such as Child Sexual Exploitation, Guns and Gangs, Integrated Offender Management etc.
- Operational support to the Head of Cluster within relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as Recall, High Risk of Serious Harm Case Transfers, etc.
- Providing support to the Head of Cluster within the relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as grievance, discipline, capability, complaints, etc.
- Responsible for the professional development of cluster staff.
- Responsible for developing and deploying the Cluster Training Needs Analysis.
- Ensure effective cluster employee recruitment and induction.
- Act as cluster lead for performance & quality.
- Act as cluster lead for audits and inspections.
- Operational support to the Head of Cluster in completing reviews and delivery of action plans such as Domestic Homicides, Serious Further Reviews, Serious Case Reviews, etc.
- Responsible for the management of the Business Manager and the administrative support functions within the cluster.
- Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster; represent the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks in line with statutory responsibilities and operational policy.
- Participate in the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetings.
- In the absence of the Head of LDU Cluster to make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison.
- Operational support to the Head of cluster in the management of complaints within the cluster and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary.
- Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster to take the lead on specific divisional or cluster projects/portfolios including Equality and Diversity, Reward and Recognition, etc.
- Operational support to the Head of cluster in cluster compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
- Senior Management responsibility for estates, buildings and maintenance activities within the cluster.
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
- Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
- Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post at present and are not exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under job evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
Person specification
Please refer to the Job Description
Qualifications
Must be a qualified Probation Officer.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Please explain how you meet the criteria for a qualified Probation Officer.
Benefits
- Access to learning and development
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave
- Public Holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (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, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact: Name: SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
Email: Recruitment team
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages.
Deputy Head of Function (Ref: 21246) in Darlington employer: United Kingdom Government
At HM Revenue and Customs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and personal growth. With generous leave allowances, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, our employees thrive in an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Join us in Birmingham or any of our other locations to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Function (Ref: 21246) in Darlington
✨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 United Kingdom Government.
✨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 United Kingdom Government!
✨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 United Kingdom Government, 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 United Kingdom Government 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 Deputy Head of Function (Ref: 21246) in Darlington
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 United Kingdom Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to United Kingdom Government! 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 United Kingdom Government
✨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.
