44663 - Probation Services Officer

£22,924 - £28,200
38
12 Months
Wales
Barry , Bridgend , Caerphilly , Cardiff , Ebbw Vale , Llanelli , Merthyr Tydfil , Newport , Pontypool , Pontypridd , Swansea
CARDIFF CROWN CARDIFF, CF1 3PG, GWENT MAGISTRATES' COURT NEWPORT, NP20 4PR, MERTHYR TYDFIL COMBINED MERTHYR TYDFIL, CF47 8BH, NEWPORT GWENT CROWN NEWPORT, NP9 4PD, NPS 33 WESTGATE STREET CARDIFF, CF10 1JE, NPS 50 BETHCAR STREET EBBW VALE, NP23 6HG, NPS Cardiff Magistrates Court, CF24 1RZ, NPS CENTENARY HOUSE CAERPHILLY, CF83 2WA, NPS CROWN COURT SWANSEA SWANSEA, SA1 4PF, NPS FORMER POST OFFICE PONTYPRIDD, CF37 1BA, NPS LLOYD STREET CHAPEL LLANELLI, SA15 2UP, NPS OLDWAY HOUSE MERTHYR TYDFIL, CF47 8UX, NPS POLICE STATION BARRY, CF63 1TD, NPS SWANSEA MAGISTRATES COURT WEST GLAMORGAN, SA1 5BD, NPS TORFAEN HOUSE PONTYPOOL, NP4 5ES, NPS TREMAINS BUSINESS PARK BRIDGEND, CF31 1TZ, NPS USK HOUSE NEWPORT, NP20 2AG, NPS WEST GLAMORGAN HOUSE SWANSEA, SA1 5AB, PONTYPRIDD MAGISTRATES PONTYPRIDD, CF37 1SD
Other
NPS Pay Band 3 National
Fixed Term
Up to 12 months with possibility to be made permanent
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working, Other
Operational Delivery

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity

Rydym yn croesawu ac yn annog ceisiadau gan bawb, yn cynnwys grwpiau sydd wedi’u tangynrychioli yn ein gweithlu ar hyn o bryd, ac rydym yn ymfalchïo mewn bod yn gyflogwr o safon uchel sy’n denu llawer o ymgeiswyr. Ewch i https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity i gael rhagor o wybodaeth am sut rydym yn hyrwyddo amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant yn y gweithle.

The National Probation Service (NPS) comprises a number of functional teams and Probation Services Officers (PSOs) can be deployed into Courts, Offender Management, Victim Services, Approved Premises as required. There is an expectation that PSOs will 'rotate' between the different functions and so build a breadth of operational knowledge and experience. We are looking to recruit people with the special skills, aptitude and motivation to support offenders' rehabilitation and help protect the public. In return, you will be offered training and development opportunities with a clear career path and undertake a key role in delivering world class probation services. As a Civil Servant and NPS employee you will be entitled to various benefits such as generous annual leave, pension scheme, flexible working options, family friendly policies, occupational sick pay. Jobholders must be willing to work flexibly with some late evenings and occasional weekends as required, as well as cover the multiple NPS offices and sites within a reasonable travelling distance.

Overview of the job    

The job holder will undertake the full range of work with offenders before and after sentence. This will include assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. The job holder will provide case management support to a full range of offenders utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.

Summary    

To assess and manage the risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by offenders to protect  victims of crime and the general public by:

•    Liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies

•    Supervise and manage risk of those offenders 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 offenders.

In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.

The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the    sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
If relevant to the role, some out of hours working may be required (i.e. Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting etc)

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties    

Probation Services Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.
•    To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with offenders assessed as low or medium risk of harm and to support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
•    When providing case manager support, to contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or of reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures
•    To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales
•    Ensure effective referrals to services and facilities and communicate with offender management staff, interventions staff, service providers and external agencies to review progress and associated risks.
•    To undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
•    To undertake work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
•    To provide cover within teams as required
•    To deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade
•    To conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and to follow prescribed medication procedures
•    Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS 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.
•    To work within the aims and values of NPS and NOMS 

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 alterations 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    

•    Making Effective Decisions
•    Changing and Improving
•    Working Together
•    Delivering at Pace
•    Communicating and Influencing

Essential Experience    

•    Experience of working with a diverse range  of  people  who  have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties and the need to use tact and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues
•    Experience in planning and coordinating work
•    Experience of working with groups or individuals in order to motivate and change behaviour
•    An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh

Technical requirements    

•    Minimum 5 GCSE's at Grade C or above, including English, Maths or the ability to evidence high level numeracy and literacy skills required to read, understand and interpret policies and the ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders
•    Understanding of factors related to offending e.g. substance misuse, accommodation issues and being able to emphasise constructively with a range of people
•    Understanding of and commitment to 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

Ability  

 •    Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with offenders, professionals, courts and other public fora.

Desirable
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.

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

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after ten years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. 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.

Expected w/c 28th June 2021

16/06/2021, 23:55 hours.

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 - 44663.

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.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

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

Behaviours
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 500 word limit
Describe the experience you have of working with people whose lives are in crisis. This experience can come from paid work, volunteer work, or from any other setting. - 250 word limit
Technical Skills
Minimum 5 GCSE at grade C or above, including English and Maths or the ability to evidence high level numeracy and literacy skills required to read, understand and interpret policies and the ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders. - 250 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Working Together
Making Effective Decisions
Communicating and Influencing
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.
Additional Assessment(s)
Technical Test

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.