59380 - Probation Services Officer - Victim Support

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.

Overview of the job

The job holder will work with victims who are in, or are being considered for inclusion in, the statutory Probation Service (PS) Victim Contact Scheme (VCS). The scheme is for victims of specified serious violent or sexual offences where the offender receives a prison sentence of 12 months or more, or a hospital order. They will contribute to the assessment and management of risk posed by offenders in order to protect the public. They will liaise with victims and keep them updated at regular intervals in accordance with the service specification for victim liaison, and relevant legislation. They will provide the victim with information about any significant changes during the offender's sentence, enable victims to participate by making representations or providing their views at specific points, and produce reports at appropriate times. They will liaise with the offender manager and contribute to inter-agency meetings in appropriate cases in order to ensure that victims' views have been considered. 

The post holder will have direct contact with victims, in order to share information about the offender's prison sentence/hospital order and to explain and respond to queries about an offender's journey through the period of detention to their supervision in the community. This requires knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, including the functions of the courts, prisons, probation and the Parole Board, as well as youth justice and the arrangements for mentally disordered offenders. They will do this through the actions below: Liaise with and provide (and analyse) information and give advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies to ensure that the victim perspective has been considered. To keep the victim informed and to provide information to victims during the key stages of the offender's sentence, during the licence period through to sentence end and contribute towards the assessment and management of the risk of harm to victims. To work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and offenders. In line with PS 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.

Salary - £23,174 - £28,200 + for London Probation Delivery Units there is an allowance of £3,889 per annum. 

About you 

You don’t need a degree for this role. We’re much more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you’ll be empathetic, patient and resilient. Good writing skills are also essential. You must be able to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines. 

About us

By managing offenders in the community, the Probation Service protects the public from the effect of crime and gives offenders the chance to turn their lives around. Join us and you’ll be part of a supportive team that thrives on sharing knowledge and expertise.

Successful applicants may be based a wide variety of office, court, team or prison locations within the London Probation Service region. Allocations will be made according to business need.

About the Recruitment Process

To apply to this role you will be required to complete a short application form and detail responses to three Civil Service Behaviour and one Experience based question.

Your application will be sifted once the application deadline has closed. You will then receive further instruction on the progress and outcome of your application.   

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
• Managing a quality service
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others

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 2 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.