42223 - Probation Service Officer - East of England

£22,924 - £28,200
40
12 Months
East of England
Basildon , Bedford , Brighton and Hove , Bury St Edmunds , Cambridge , Chelmsford , Cheshunt , Colchester , Harlow , Huntingdon , Ipswich , Kettering , King's Lynn , Lowestoft , Luton , Northampton , Norwich , Peterborough , Southend-on-Sea , St Albans , Stevenage , Watford , Wellingborough , Worthing
A/C_LONDON (MILL HILL) SENIOR WATFORD, WD18 1TX, A/C_ST ALBANS JUNIOR ST ALBANS, AL3 5AY, BASILDON COMBINED BASILDON, SS14 2EU, BASILDON MAGISTRATES BASILDON, SS14 1EZ, CAMBRIDGE CROWN CAMBRIDGE, CB1 1BT, CAMBRIDGE MAGISTRATES CAMBRIDGE, CB2 3AX, CHELMSFORD CROWN CHELMSFORD, CM1 1EL, CHELMSFORD PRIORY PLACE CHELMSFORD, CM2 0PP, COLCHESTER MAGISTRATES COURT COLCHESTER, CO2 7EF, HUNTINGDON COMBINED HUNTINGDON, PE29 3DW, HUNTINGDON MAGISTRATES HUNTINGDON, PE29 3PJ, KETTERING MAGISTRATES KETTERING, NN15 7QS, KING'S LYNN MAGISTRATES KINGS LYNN, PE30 1PQ, LOWESTOFT MAGISTRATES LOWESTOFT, NR32 1HJ, LUTON CROWN LUTON, LU1 2AA, LUTON MAGISTRATES LUTON, LU1 5BL, NORTHAMPTON COMBINED NORTHAMPTON, NN1 3HQ, NORTHAMPTON MAGISTRATES NORTHAMPTON, NN1 3EB, NORTHAMPTON MAGS NORTHAMPTON, NN1 3EB, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE PROBATION TRUST NORTHAMPTON, NN1 1NS, NPS 1 DRAYTON ROAD NORWICH, NR3 2DF, NPS 1 FELMORES BASILDON, SS13 1RN, NPS 162 MARINE PARADE BRIGHTON, BN2 1EJ, NPS 16-22 KING STREET WATFORD, WD1 8BP, NPS 20 OXFORD STREET WELLINGBOROUGH, NN8 4HY, NPS 203 WHAPLOAD ROAD LOWESTOFT, NR32 1UL, NPS 23-27 NAPIER ROAD LUTON, LU1 1RF, NPS 27 WARKWORTH STREET CAMBRIDGE, CB1 1EG, NPS 36-40 NAPIER ROAD LUTON, LU1 1RG, NPS 4 MITRE BUILDINGS HARLOW, CM20 1DR, NPS 41 HARPUR STREET BEDFORD, MK40 1LY, NPS 43-47 BRIDGE STREET NORTHAMPTON, NN1 1NS, NPS 47 GRAND PARADE BRIGHTON, BN2 9QA, NPS 4TH FLOOR ASHBY HOUSE CHELMSFORD, CM1 1PP, NPS 5 WESLEYAN ROAD PETERBOROUGH, PE1 3RW, NPS 78-80 CHAUCER ROAD BEDFORD, MK40 2AP, NPS ARGYLE HOUSE STEVENAGE, SG1 2AD, NPS CARRAWAY HOUSE BASILDON, SS15 6PH, NPS CENTENARY HOUSE NORWICH, NR3 1RT, NPS DETTINGEN WAY BURY ST EDMUNDS, IP33 3TU, NPS EAST HEART CENTRE CHESHUNT, EN8 9XL, NPS FRANK LORD HOUSE LUTON, LU1 5DA, NPS GODWIN HOUSE HUNTINGDON, PE29 3BD, NPS GROUND FLOOR 377 383 CAMBRIDGE HEATH ROAD LONDON, E2 9RD, NPS GROUND FLOOR PODS A AND B BISHOPS COLLEGE CHESHUNT, EN8 9XB, NPS MID HERTS CENTRE ST ALBANS, AL1 3XH, NPS NORTH HEART CENTRE STEVENAGE, SG1 2AG, NPS PENINSULAR HOUSE IPSWICH, IP4 1AQ, NPS PETERBOROUGH MAGISTRATES COURT PETERBOROUGH, PE1 1ED, NPS PROBATION OFFICE KINGS LYNN, PE30 1HP, NPS RYEGATE HOUSE COLCHESTER, CO1 1HL, NPS THE COTTAGE IPSWICH, IP1 6LH, NPS UNIT 5 KETTERING, NN16 8UW, NPS WEST SUFFOLK HOUSE BURY ST EDMUNDS, IP33 3YU, NPS WORTHING PROBATION OFFICE WORTHING, BN11 2BE, PETERBOROUGH COMBINED PETERBOROUGH, PE1 1EJ, PETERBOROUGH MAGISTRATES PETERBOROUGH, PE1 1ED, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA MAGISTRATES SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, SS2 6EG, ST ALBANS CROWN ST ALBANS, AL1 3JW, STEVENAGE MAGISTRATES STEVENAGE, SG1 1JQ, SUFFOLK PROBATION BOARD IPSWICH, IP4 1AQ, Watford Magistrates, WD17 1ST, WELLINGBOROUGH MAGISTRATES WELLINGBOROUGH, NN8 1HF, WORTHING MAGISTRATES WORTHING, BN11 1JE, NMS Portal House, NMS MID ESSEX Gemini Centre, CM2 0YN, NPS Chelmsford Magistrates Court, CM1 1NT
Other
NPS Pay Band 3 National
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

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.
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
In certain locations, in addition to the basic starting salary of £22,261, a Market Forces Allowance of £1,100 per annum will be paid. The allowance is temporary and may be reviewed and withdrawn at any time. The allowance is pensionable.

Qualifications
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

Posts will be offered on a fixed term basis for up to 9 months with a view to permanency if a suitable vacancy arises and you have completed the required probationary period.

We currently have a variety of different PSO roles to support sentence management and interventions.

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.

Interview dates to be confirmed and interviews will take place via the Teams App.
Assessment will be conducted via Teams and confirmed nearer to the date..

19/04/2021, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm) or email MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference - 42223.
Please note the successful applicant will need to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Security Check for this post.

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
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
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 - 250 word limit
Experience in planning and coordinating work - 250 word limit
An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice - 250 word limit
Experience of working with groups or individuals in order to motivate and change behaviour - 250 word limit
Technical Skills
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 - 250 word limit
Understanding of and commitment to the principles of case management. - 250 word limit
Knowledge and understanding of risk management/risk assessment as pertaining to offenders and the impact on victims of crime - 250 word limit
Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service including the aims and objectives of the Probation Service - 250 word limit
Understanding of factors related to offending e.g. substance misuse, accommodation issues and being able to emphasise constructively with a range of people - 250 word limit

Interview stage assessments

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

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.