35048 - Polygraph Examiner
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This role will require delivery of Polygraph Tests across the South West South central and the Midlands Divisions. The successful applicant may also be required to cover tests in other Divisions. This post therefore requires extensive travel. Travel costs from the designated office base will be covered by the organisation.
THE OFFICE BASE IS FLEXIBLE – although advertised as a South West South Central divisional post this will move in to the new South Central division in due course.
Polygraph Examiners are paid at Band 5 (substantive) on successful completion of American Polygraph Association Polygraph Examiner training and Post Conviction Sexual Offender Training.
Confirmation in post will be dependent on passing the relevant qualifications and the post will not commence until September 2020 when it is anticipated that the polygraph school will run.
Overview of the job
To contribute as a member of the public protection team and assist in the risk assessment of sexual offenders. Polygraph examiners will operate as members of public protection teams but will work collaboratively with offender management teams with in the NPS.
Summary
Polygraph examinations will be the priority work of polygraph examiners and their salary is ring fenced for this work. During periods of reduced demands for polygraph examinations nationally, they will be required to carry out other duties. This could be any of the following: holding a small caseload of sexual offenders, programme facilitation (if currently employed delivering community sex offender treatment programmes, pre sentence report writing for sexual offenders.)
As such, a polygraph examiner can be expected to take on one or more of the following roles for the type of offender indicated.
Role
Offender Manager- (not PSOs) Sexual offenders
Preparation of Pre-sentence reports Sexual offenders
Community Sex Offender facilitator ( includes PSOs) Sexual offenders
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
To undertake any other duties which are commensurate with the grading of the post. The role outline is dynamic and The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- As a qualified polygraph examiner, carry out polygraph examinations on all high risk of harm and high risk of reoffending sexual offenders according to their licence condition and based on referrals from the supervising officer and according the to American Polygraph Association rules
- Carry out pre polygraph examination interviews in accordance with the American Polygraph Association rules
- Carry out polygraph examinations following a referral from the supervising officer on all sexual offenders who are subject to the required licence condition on any discretionary cases.
- Carry out post polygraph examination interviews according to the American Polygraph Association rules
- Craft polygraph examination questions in full collaboration with the supervising officer
- Notify the supervising officer of any offenders subject to the polygraph licence condition of any failures to attend or comply with instructions in accordance with the licence conditions
- Prepare a post polygraph examination written report on the results of the polygraph examination in accordance with the American Polygraph Association rules
- Promote the use of polygraph examinations within the NPS
- Provide briefings and presentations on the use of the polygraph examination to the NPS as required
- Answer queries regarding the use of the polygraph examination to offender managers and senior managers within the NPS
- Cover for other polygraph examiner colleagues in other NPS Divisions during periods of leave, sickness or any other absence
Main & Key Areas of Responsibility Offender Manager and Pre sentence report preparation - Sexual Offenders.
Polygraph examiners will do other work with sexual offenders in order to maintain up to date experience and skills with this offender group and during periods of low demand for polygraph testing nationally. Any additional work that polygraph examiners carry out, must not be with the sexual offenders that they will be polygraph testing. This includes offender management, preparing pre sentence reports and group work. Polygraph examinations are the priority work for examiners, Additional work may be allocated only during periods of low demand for polygraph examinations.
- Prepare sentence plans, implement and/or oversee interventions, review and evaluate - sexual offenders
- Supervise and motivate sexual offenders in accordance with sentence plan.
- Ensure contact is maintained with offenders in accordance with National Standards.
- Maintain contact with offenders in custody.
- Follow enforcement procedures and initiate enforcement action as necessary.
- Enter all appropriate offender information onto computer records in accordance with National Standards and local procedures.
- Refer to other agencies as necessary.
- Assess and manage cases in line with the relevant policies and procedures e.g. safeguarding; MAPPA in order to ensure effective management of risk and reduction in offending.
- Allocate interventions, as appropriate, to offender manager/ supervisor in accordance with local procedures; provide advice and guidance, as necessary.
- Ensures service delivery reflects the Probation Service Equality of Opportunity and anti-racism policies.
Main and Key Areas of Responsibility - Local Engagement & Representation
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with key partners.
- Maintain appropriate links and relationships relevant to Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
- Represent the NPS in relevant meetings and workgroups as assigned by the Team Manager.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external Providers to ensure appropriate interventions are available to reduce reoffending.
- Maintain effective links with local courts and sentencers in line with the locally agreed protocols and arrangements
- Maintain effective working relationships with the local police, Youth Justice Service and other agencies.
- Maintain relationships and dialogue with local communities and community groups.
Main Duties and Key areas of Responsibility t Diversity and Equality (for Wales will include the Welsh language)
- To promote equality and value diversity.
Other Responsibilities
- Work to increase public confidence in the work of the NPS, and to develop and maintain a positive public profile of the NPS within the team.
- To comply with and promote adherence to all NPS policies and procedures at all times
- Developing productive working relationships with all colleagues.
- Develop own knowledge and skills to meet objectives.
- Key areas of responsibility of the post will develop and evolve in accordance with the overall role and purpose of the post.
- In order to meet both short and longer term operational requirements, the NPS reserves the right to reassign staff to other business locations and Interventions. This will be carried out in line with the NPS policies.
Sex Offender Treatment Programmes
Polygraph examiners who are trained and accredited to deliver one of the nationally recognised sex offender treatment programmes will be required to facilitate a limited number of group work sessions during periods of low national demand for polygraph examinations.
- Facilitate sex offender treatment programme according to the programme manual.
- Prepare programme sessions in collaboration with colleague facilitator
- Debrief post programme session with colleague facilitator
- Maintain records on NDelius and IAPS to requirements
- Engage with Treatment Management
- Prepare reports
- Maintain Structured Assessment of Risk and Need reports
- Attend 3 way meetings with offender managers as required
- Willing to travel across England and Wales NPS Divisions
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alternations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.
Behaviours
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Essential Experience
- Minimum of 2 years direct experience of working with sexual offenders either as an offender manager or sex offender programme facilitator
- Excellent report writing skills
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Ability to work effectively as a team player
- Presentation skills
Technical requirements
- Degree or equivalent, (proof required)
- Up to date knowledge and expertise of risk management and assessment of sexual offenders
- Excellent IT skills
Interviews will be expected to take place the end of July beginning of August and likely to be Via Microsfot teams due to current COVID restictions
You are required to undertake American Polygraph Association Polygraph Examiner training and Post Conviction Sexual Offender Training. This is assessed residential training planned to take place from the 14th September to Friday 20 November 2020 at the Heaton Mount Conference Centre at the University of Bradford with accommodation in Shipley.
You will be away from home during the week and the training includes weekly examinations.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
Standard working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Generous allowances for paid holiday starting at 25 days per year, and rising as your service increases. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information.
Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
Eligibility
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post
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 equality of opportunity.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
03/07/2020, 23:55 hours.
If you wish to discuss this application please contact Fiona.Birch@justice.gov.uk or 07732647411
If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference 35048.
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Interview stage assessments
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
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) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for 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 (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
This Vacancy is closed to applications.