27453 - Probation Service Officer - South East & Eastern Division

£22,261 - £28,200
60
12 Months
East of England, South East
Basildon , Bedford , Brighton and Hove , Bury St Edmunds , Cambridge , Canterbury , Chatham , Chelmsford , Cheshunt , Colchester , Crawley , Eastbourne , Folkestone , Gravesend , Guildford , Harlow , Hastings , Huntingdon , Ipswich , King's Lynn , Lewes , Littlehampton , Lowestoft , Luton , Maidstone , Margate , Northampton , Norwich , Peterborough , Southend-on-Sea , St Albans , Staines , Stevenage , Watford , Wellingborough , Worthing
BASILDON COMBINED BASILDON, SS14 2EU, BASILDON MAGISTRATES BASILDON, SS14 1EZ, BRIGHTON MAGISTRATES BRIGHTON, BN2 0LG, CAMBRIDGE CROWN CAMBRIDGE, CB1 1BT, CHELMSFORD CROWN CHELMSFORD, CM1 1EL, COLCHESTER MAGISTRATES COURT COLCHESTER, CO2 7EF, EASTBOURNE MAGISTRATES EASTBOURNE, BN21 4UN, GUILDFORD CROWN GUILDFORD, GU1 4ST, HASTINGS MAGISTRATES HASTINGS, TN34 1ED, HUNTINGDON COMBINED HUNTINGDON, PE29 3DW, LUTON CROWN LUTON, LU1 2AA, LUTON MAGISTRATES LUTON, LU1 5BL, NORTHAMPTON COMBINED NORTHAMPTON, NN1 3HQ, NORTHAMPTON MAGISTRATES NORTHAMPTON, NN1 3EB, NPS 1 DRAYTON ROAD NORWICH, NR3 2DF, NPS 1 FELMORES BASILDON, SS13 1RN, NPS 16-22 KING STREET WATFORD, WD1 8BP, NPS 20 OXFORD STREET WELLINGBOROUGH, NN8 4HY, NPS 20/28 LONDON ROAD ST LEONARDS, TN38 0ET, NPS 203 WHAPLOAD ROAD LOWESTOFT, NR32 1UL, 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 56-58 COLLEGE ROAD MAIDSTONE, ME15 6SJ, NPS ARGYLE HOUSE STEVENAGE, SG1 2AD, NPS CARRAWAY HOUSE BASILDON, SS15 6PH, NPS CENTENARY HOUSE NORWICH, NR3 1RT, NPS COLLEGE HOUSE GUILDFORD, GU1 4RS, NPS COUNTY BUILDING LITTLEHAMPTON, BN17 6AP, NPS DARRINGTON HOUSE MARGATE, CT9 1UW, NPS DETTINGEN WAY BURY ST EDMUNDS, IP33 3TU, NPS EAST HEART CENTRE CHESHUNT, EN8 9XL, NPS FOLKESTONE MAGISTRATES COURT FOLKESTONE, CT20 2DH, NPS FRANK LORD HOUSE LUTON, LU1 5DA, NPS GODWIN HOUSE HUNTINGDON, PE29 3BD, NPS GOFFS PARK HOUSE CRAWLEY, RH11 8PB, NPS JOYNES HOUSE GRAVESEND, DA11 0AT, NPS Lewes Crown Court, BN7 1YB, NPS MID HERTS CENTRE ST ALBANS, AL1 3XH, NPS NEW ROAD CHATHAM, ME4 4QQ, NPS PENINSULAR HOUSE IPSWICH, IP4 1AQ, NPS PETERBOROUGH MAGISTRATES COURT PETERBOROUGH, PE1 1ED, NPS PROBATION OFFICE KINGS LYNN, PE30 1HP, NPS RALPHS CENTRE CANTERBURY, CT1 3RH, NPS RYEGATE HOUSE COLCHESTER, CO1 1HL, NPS ST CATHERINE'S PRIORY GUILDFORD, GU2 5EB, NPS SWAN HOUSE STAINES, TW18 1AJ, NPS THE COTTAGE IPSWICH, IP1 6LH, NPS WORTHING PROBATION OFFICE WORTHING, BN11 2BE, PETERBOROUGH COMBINED PETERBOROUGH, PE1 1EJ, SOUTHEND CROWN COURT, SS2 6EG, ST ALBANS CROWN ST ALBANS, AL1 3JW, STAINES MAGISTRATES STAINES, TW18 1XH, WELLINGBOROUGH MAGISTRATES WELLINGBOROUGH, NN8 1HF, NMS Clemitson House, LU1 2RP
Other
NPS Pay Band 3 National
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working, Other
Probation Officer

This campaign is open to internal and external candidates.

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 prosocial 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.

Competencies

For the purposes of selection the following competencies will be used:

  • Making effective decisions
  • Changing and improving
  • Caring
  • Delivering at pace
  • Persuading and influencing
  • Collaborating and partnering

Essential Skills Qualifications, accreditation & Registration

Qualifications

Essential

  • 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

Desirable

  • Higher level academic qualification(s).

Skills

Essential    

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

Experience

Essential   

  • 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
  • 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
  • Experience in planning and coordinating work
  • Understanding of Health & Safety legislation in the workplace
  • An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice
  • Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service
  • Experience of working with groups or individuals in order to motivate and change behaviour
  • Knowledge of the aims and objectives of the Probation Service

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

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.

Interviews will take place at an assessment centre.

Interviews will be approximately 40 minutes long and the written assessment 50 minutes.

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.

Interview dates & locations to be confirmed.
Assessment dates & locations to be confirmed.

26/07/2019, 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@sscl.gse.gov.uk. Please quote the job reference - 27453.
Please note the successful applicant will need to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Security Check for this post.

Candidate Information

You may be required to provide statements describing your skills and experience relevant to each of the selection criteria. We recommend that you structure any examples as Situation, Task, Action and Result. For more information about the recruitment process and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

In the event of a large number of applications, we reserve the right to undertake the following processes:


  • An automated online test where a benchmark must be passed to progress;
  • A sift on the lead selection criteria. If this happens, the lead criteria will be the first one listed in the advert.

During the selection process, you may be asked to undertake an additional assessment (such as written test). If this is applicable you will be notified of this when you are invited to interview.



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
Persuading and Influencing

Effectiveness in this area means listening to each other, using reason and cooperation to reach agreement. We must all seeks to understand others’ perspectives whilst following through on agreements. Those who work in establishments must take time to understand the prisoners’ point of view and encourage prisoners to understand own / establishment’s perspective. At a senior level it is about promoting a culture of open interaction and effective consultation across all levels of the organisation. It is about influencing and involving the right people necessary to get things done.

Leading and Communicating
Making Effective Decisions
Changing and Improving
Delivering at Pace
Collaborating and Partnering
Caring

Effectiveness in this area is about showing concern for colleagues, prisoners, and others recognising their needs and providing practical support. People who are effective apply and support the decency agenda for staff and prisoners and take into account their actions and decisions on the wellbeing of prisoners, colleagues and others. At senior levels, it is about developing and promoting a culture of care and ensuring that the decency agenda is real and living.

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

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

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.

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.