41573 - Probation Services Officer

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

An exciting opportunity for career development has opened within the Yorkshire and Humberside Personality Disorder Partnership (YHPDP) team based at Sugar Mills Business Park, South Leeds. The successful candidate will be co-located between their local Probation Office and Sugar Mills.

The Discovery Project IIRMS (Intensive Intervention and Risk Management Service) is commissioned to work with some of the most complex service users from across the West and South Yorkshire PDU’s of the NPS. The intervention works directly with men and women being released from long term custodial sentences, who screen into the OPD pathway and require a higher level of support to successfully re-integrate into the community. You will work directly with the service users, using a collaboratively developed ‘formulation’ and sentence plan, actively supported by a multi-disciplinary team from both the NHS and the NPS.

You will be line managed by a Senior Probation Officer within the partnership and will also receive clinical supervision from one of our health partners clinicians. You will be part of an environment that is committed to learning together and developing staff.

The role requires a high degree of motivation and commitment to a relational, compassionate, attachment based approach with clients. The IIRMS team works intensively with client’s pre-release whilst in prison and then into the community for an extended period. Therefore, the role will require some work in prisons and at local Approved Premises. It will also require supporting and accompanying clients to external appointments and other activities. As such a flexible approach is required, with a willingness to travel. 

There are two full time positions available. There may be some flexibility around working hours.

If you would like to find out more about this role before applying please feel free to contact any of the following colleagues in the team: Claire Cooper: Senior Probation Officer, Discovery: Tel: 07542 948311 

The successful applicant will be part of a multi-agency team that works across Yorkshire and Humberside. The post holder will be able to work from an office close to their home but there will be a requirement to travel to other work premises, in work time, to complete tasks.

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.