85844 - Polygraph Examiner (Full-time) (South Central)
This role will require delivery of Polygraph Tests across the South Central region. The successful applicant may also be required to cover tests in other Regions. This post therefore requires extensive travel. Travel costs from the designated office base will be covered by the organisation.
THE OFFICE BASE IS FLEXIBLE ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL
Polygraph Examiners are paid at Band 5 (substantive) on successful completion of basic training and Post Conviction Sexual Offender Training provided by the Behavioural Measures UK Polygraph School and accredited by the American Polygraph Association.
This post requires a minimum of 2 years direct experience of working with those convicted of sexual offences either as an offender manager or programme facilitator
Confirmation in post will be dependent on attending polygraph training school and passing the relevant qualifications. Polygraph training school is envisaged to take place August/September 2024.
If you require any information about the vacancy and role please contact Mel.Briggs2@justice.gov.uk in the first instance.
Overview of the job
To contribute as a member of the public protection team and assist in the risk assessment of sexual offenders. Polygraph examiners will operate as members of public protection teams but will work collaboratively with offender management teams with in the NPS. Examiners testing terrorist offenders will work within the NPS Counter-Terrorism Units.
Summary
Polygraph examinations will be the priority work of polygraph examiners
During periods of low demand for polygraph testing nationally they may be required to carry out other duties. Any additional work that polygraph examiners carry out, must not be with any offenders that they will be polygraph testing.
Additional duties could be any of the following: holding a small caseload, programme facilitation (if currently employed delivering community sex offender treatment programmes), pre- sentence report writing.
As such, a polygraph examiner can be expected to take on one or more of the following roles for the type of offender indicated.
Role /Type of offender
Offender Manager All types
Preparation of Pre-sentence reports All types
Community Sex Offender Facilitator Sexual offenders
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
The role outline is dynamic and the job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
• As a qualified polygraph examiner, carry out polygraph examinations on all high risk offenders according to their licence condition and based on referrals from the supervising officer and according to the American Polygraph Association rules. These will include sexual offenders, domestic abuse perpetrators and terrorist offenders and any other offender type that may, at a later date and according to legislation be mandatorily tested.
• Carry out pre polygraph examination interviews in accordance with the American Polygraph Association rules
• Carry out polygraph examinations following a referral from the supervising officer on all offenders who are subject to the required licence condition on any discretionary cases.
• Carry out post polygraph examination interviews according to the American Polygraph Association rules
• Craft polygraph examination questions in full collaboration with the supervising officer
• Notify the supervising officer of any offenders subject to the polygraph licence condition of any failures to attend or comply with instructions in accordance with the licence conditions
• Contribute to discussions regarding risk assessment and management
• Prepare a post polygraph examination written report on the results of the polygraph examination in accordance with the American Polygraph Association rules
• Promote the use of polygraph examinations within the NPS
• Provide briefings and presentations on the use of the polygraph examination to the NPS and other Government Departments as required
• Answer queries regarding the use of the polygraph examination to offender managers and senior managers within the NPS
• Cover for other polygraph examiner colleagues in other NPS Divisions during periods of leave, sickness or any other absence
Offender Manager and Pre-sentence report preparation
This includes offender management, preparing pre sentence reports and group work. Prepare sentence plans, implement and/or oversee interventions, review and evaluate
• Supervise and motivate those under supervision in accordance with sentence plan.
• Ensure contact is maintained with offenders in accordance with National Standards.
• Maintain contact with offenders in custody.
• Follow enforcement procedures and initiate enforcement action as necessary.
• Enter all appropriate offender information onto computer records in accordance with National Standards and local procedures.
• Refer to other agencies as necessary.
• Assess and manage cases in line with the relevant policies and procedures e.g. safeguarding; MAPPA in order to ensure effective management of risk and reduction in offending.
• Allocate interventions, as appropriate, to offender manager/supervisor in accordance with local procedures; provide advice and guidance, as necessary.
• Ensures service delivery reflects the Probation Service Equality of Opportunity and anti-racism policies.
Sex Offending Treatment Programmes
Polygraph examiners who are trained and accredited to deliver one of the nationally recognised sex offender treatment programmes will be required to facilitate a limited number of group work sessions during periods of low national demand for polygraph examinations.
• Facilitate sex offending treatment programme according to the programme manual.
• Prepare programme sessions in collaboration with colleague facilitator
• Debrief post programme session with colleague facilitator
• Maintain records on NDelius and IAPS to requirements
• Engage with Treatment Management
• Prepare reports
• Maintain Structured Assessment of Risk and Need reports
• Attend 3 way meetings with offender managers as required
• Willing to travel across England and Wales NPS Divisions
Local Engagement & Representation
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key partners.
• Maintain appropriate links and relationships relevant to Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
• Represent the NPS in relevant meetings and workgroups as assigned by the Team Manager.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external Providers to ensure appropriate interventions are available to reduce reoffending.
• Maintain effective links with local courts and sentences in line with the locally agreed protocols and arrangements
• Maintain effective working relationships with the local police, Youth Justice Service and other agencies.
• Maintain relationships and dialogue with local communities and community groups.
Other Responsibilities
• Work to increase public confidence in the work of the NPS, and to develop and maintain a positive public profile of the NPS within the team.
• To comply with and promote adherence to all NPS policies and procedures at all times
• Developing productive working relationships with all colleagues.
• Develop own knowledge and skills to meet objectives.
• Attend the mandatory American Polygraph Association Seminar every two years in order to maintain APA accreditation.
• Engage and respond to mandatory Quality Assurance requirements
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 alternations 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
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
Essential Experience
• Minimum of 2 years direct experience of working with those convicted of sexual offences either as an offender manager or programme facilitator
• Excellent report writing skills
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Ability to work effectively as a team player
• Presentation skills
Technical requirements
• Probation Qualification - Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice Integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice
(or)
A qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the State for Justice as per Section 10 of The Offender Management Act 2007:The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:
o Diploma in Probation Studies,
o Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
o CQSW (with Probation Option.)
• Degree or equivalent level qualification
• Up to date knowledge and expertise of risk management and assessment
• Excellent IT skills
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. 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.
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
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 moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
17/04/2024, 23:55 hours.
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference - 85844.
If you require any information about the vacancy and role please contact Mel.Briggs2@justice.gov.uk in the first instance
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
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.