43380 - Accredited Programme Facilitator
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 and 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
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
- 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
Main Purpose of Job
To facilitate group work programmes to rehabilitate services users and reduce re-offending.
To liaise with internal and external agencies to manage risk of re-offending.
Contribute to the improvement of completion rates for Service Users sentenced to an accredited programme and a reduction in attrition.
Contribute to ensuring performance measures are managed to a high standard and obligations under the HMPSS contract are fulfilled
Work alongside Offender Managers to improve completion rates for Service Users sentenced to an accredited programme and reduce attrition
Key responsibilities
Facilitate accredited group work programmes across London, including Thinking Skills, Building Better Relationships and RESOLVE, in line with quality assurance expectations.
Facilitate structured group work and other interventions identified by the employer across London. This will be across London in line with quality assurance expectations.
Contribute to the assessment of risk, including risks to children through accurate assessment, recording and close liaison with treatment supervisors or other appropriate person, including the responsible officer.
Jointly prepare, deliver and debrief sessions, including completing feedback according to relevant time frames and quality expectations.
Manage all sessions to engage all participants and facilitate learning including proactively working to reduce attrition and to support enforcement for those service users that fail to comply. This will be for community orders and licences
To produce all relevant quality assurance processes in a timely manner to appropriate standards and to ensure these are forwarded to the appropriate manager e.g. session notes, programme integrity checklists and recordings of each session of accredited programmes.
To contribute to ensuring that performance measures are achieved to a high standard as per contractual obligations with HMPPS.
To participate in group and individual supervision sessions with treatment managers as required.
To complete timely post programme reports to an appropriate standard and timeframe.
To organise and participate in post programme review meetings with the service user and the offender responsible officer.
To establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues in team, the organisation, the NPS and stakeholder and partnership agencies including Social Services.
To deliver programmes in accordance with community management manuals in line with HMPPS guidelines.
To record all sessions delivered for video monitoring in accordance within the HMPSS guidance.
To ensure timely and appropriate communication with Offender Manager’s, administration and external agencies for the purpose of risk management and enforcement procedures including progress updates.
Programme facilitators are expected to regularly work in the evenings and weekends depending on demand.
To adhere to Data protection and freedom of information acts and comply with policy and procedures.
To become familiar and adhere to health and safety policy
To participate in individual and team performance reviews. This will include the planning and evaluation of your personal appraisal objectives.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
Effective interpersonal skills particularly the social/cognitive skills that the facilitator wants the service users to acquire. (Effective problem solving, perspective taking, well developed values, rational and logical reasoning, emotional management and self-control, an openness to new ideas and ways of working)
Ability to relate positively and empathetically with individuals within the criminal justice system, but to do so in a manner that maintains authority and does not collude with anti-social or pro-criminal behaviour.
Effective interpersonal skills particularly the social/cognitive skills that the facilitator wants the service users to acquire. (Effective problem solving, perspective taking, well developed values, rational and logical reasoning, emotional management and self-control, an openness to new ideas and ways of working)
Ability to relate positively and empathetically with individuals within the criminal justice system, but to do so in a manner that maintains authority and does not collude with anti-social or pro-criminal behaviour.
Promote individuals’ equality, diversity and rights
Willingness to develop from feedback received about performance which may come from direct observation or video monitoring.
Effective verbal skills commensurate with the role.
Experience of effective team working.
Ability and willingness to use new technology and attend training as required.
Knowledge and understanding of group dynamics and an ability to motivate groups and individuals to participate fully in programmes.
Maintain an environment which encourages learning in a group setting
Ability to challenge inappropriate language and behaviour
Ability to work regular evenings and weekends as required
Skills and Qualifications
Relevant experience or qualifications in group work, teaching, training, Psychology; criminology; Mental Health or similar.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage positively and confidently with others, (including people who may have been convicted of a domestic abuse offence) in group and individual settings.
Ability to relate positively and empathically with people who have committed a range of offences (including violence) but to do so in a manner that maintains authority and does not collude with anti-social or pro-criminal behaviour.
A knowledge of and commitment to group work with an understanding of the dynamics that stimulate learning and development for the individuals who are participating.
An understanding and commitment to Cognitive Behavioural Theory, Social Learning Theory, Desistance Theory, Motivational Interviewing and Pro-social Modelling preferred.
Be free from any criminal conviction which would conflict with the responsibilities of the post.
Written skills of a high standard
ICT skills – familiar with Microsoft word, Excel.
High standards of communication with colleagues and external partners and stakeholders
Knowledge and Understanding
Knowledge and experience of working within the criminal justice sector.
Familiar with statutory responsibilities with regards to child safeguarding
Promote individuals’ equality, diversity and rights
Effective verbal skills commensurate with the role.
Knowledge and understanding of group dynamics and an ability to motivate groups and individuals to participate fully in programmes.
Maintain an environment which encourages learning in a group setting
Ability to challenge inappropriate language and behaviour
The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post.
Location of Work:
This post has vacancies in the following locations:
North Central London – 1 Vacancy
North West London – 1 Vacancy
South East London – 1 Vacancy
South West London – 1 Vacancy
If a high volume of applications are submitted, applications will be scored on one competency
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.
19/05/2021, 23:55 hours.
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
- 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 - 250 word limit
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.