83857 - Community Engagement Officer
Community Engagement Officer
Grand Avenues is an innovative and exciting partnership between HMPPS in Wales and Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE). Initially funded through the UK Government’s Shared Outcome Fund, the pilot is a community-based proof of concept, which is being delivered over a ten-year period in the Ely and Caerau wards of Cardiff.
Our aim is to reduce harm and reoffending amongst an adult male cohort, whilst working with their families and communities in a way that will provide positive intergenerational outcomes. In doing so, we seek to re-imagine how HMPPS – and the wider public sector – works with local communities.
Our partner, Action in Caerau and Ely, is a community organisation located in West Cardiff. Local people from Ely and Caerau are active throughout the organisation as participants, volunteers, beneficiaries, staff and trustees. ACE manage two community buildings and a community garden, and deliver a range of projects and services that meet local needs, including:
● Community Support including crisis support, financial capability and practical support
● Community Learning, personal development and employability / in-work progression
● Health & Wellbeing work including social prescribing and community health development
● Work with Children, Young People and Families
● Community-led approaches, including participation, community voice and ownership
● Heritage, Arts and Culture projects
● Social enterprise and local economic development
Building on the success of the first three years of the pilot, we are looking to appoint two Community Engagement Officers who will work alongside our dedicated neighbourhood team of probation practioners; Action in Caerau & Ely, other statutory and voluntary sector partners; and grassroots community groups.
The role will involve working directly with offenders, their families and members of the local community.
You will:
- Promote the work of the Probation Service.
- Contribute to reducing reoffending and risk, changing lives for the better and improving the quality of life for those on Probation.
- Develop positive links and maximise the visibility of the Probation Service in the community.
- Engage with local communities to understand the diversity and level of need relating to reducing reoffending.
- Engage and develop relationships with local community providers, potentially supporting them to access Probation and other funding opportunities.
- Build a network of community links/services across a broad range need, particularly needs relating to protected characteristics.
- Support HMPPS to understand and articulate the needs of the local community and work with us to tailor services for People on Probation.
What will they do:
- Actively promote the Probation Service vision of preventing victims by changing lives, of reducing reoffending and delivering rehabilitation.
- Promote good news stories across different media
- Contact and link in with ethnic minority communities, partnerships, and voluntary sector organisations.
- Organise community training and promotional events.
- Promote opportunities for paid and voluntary work in the Probation Service.
- Liaise with employment providers and careers advisory services.
- Work closely with colleagues to develop business cases for innovative partnerships and projects.
Skills Needed
- Enthusiasm and commitment to promoting the work of the Probation Service.
- Relational skills, able to develop positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System.
- Knowledge and understanding of the effects of disproportionality, diversity, health and well-being.
- Awareness of how to engage with communities.
- Good organisation skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
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
HMPPS in Wales: Vacancy Attraction Statement
Preventing victims by changing lives HMPPS in Wales works in an integrated way to keep communities in Wales safer and to give the men and women we work with the opportunity to change their lives. We commission and provide offender management services in the community and in custody to deliver the orders of the courts and support rehabilitation. Our aim is to deliver outstanding, seamless offender management services in Wales that protect the public, reduce reoffending, deliver value for money and support our partners. The Welsh Language Scheme Welsh Language skills for this post are desirable.
HMPPS yng Nghymru: Datganiad i ddenu Ymgeiswyr i wneud cais am Swydd Wag
Atal pobl rhag dod yn ddioddefwyr trwy newid bywydau Mae HMPPS yng Nghymru yn gweithio mewn ffordd integredig i gadw cymunedau yng Nghymru yn fwy diogel, a rhoi cyfle i’r dynion a’r merched hynny rydym yn gweithio â hwy i newid eu bywydau. Rydym yn comisiynu a darparu gwasanaethau rheoli troseddwyr yn y gymuned a’r carchar i weithredu gorchmynion y llysoedd a chefnogi adsefydlu. Ein nod yw darparu gwasanaethau rheoli troseddwyr ardderchog ac esmwyth yng Nghymru sy’n gwarchod y cyhoedd, lleihau aildroseddu, cynnig gwerth am arian a chefnogi ein partneriaid.
Y Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg Mae sgiliau iaith Gymraeg yn ddymunol ar gyfer y swydd hon.
HMPPS Wales pride ourselves on being an employer of choice and encourage applications from candidates irrespective of identity, background, life experience or circumstances. It’s vital that our justice system is as diverse as the society we serve and we welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we are able to offer advice and support to candidates from backgrounds which are currently under-represented in our workforce or face recognised barriers. This includes ethnic minority and disabled people. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Wales_Diversity_and_Inclusion_Team@justice.gov.uk
Mae Gwasanaeth Carchardai a Phrawf EF yn ymfalchïo mewn bod yn gyflogwr o ddewis ac anogwn ceisiadau gan ymgeiswyr ni waeth beth yw eu hunaniaeth, eu cefndir, eu profiadau bywyd neu eu hamgylchiadau. Mae’n hanfodol bod ein system gyfiawnder yr un mor amrywiol â’r gymdeithas rydym yn ei gwasanaethu ac rydym yn croesawu’r cyfraniadau unigryw a ddaw gan ymgeiswyr amrywiol. Yn unol â Deddf Cydraddoldeb 2010, rydym yn gallu cynnig cyngor a chymorth i ymgeiswyr o gefndiroedd sydd wedi’u tangynrychioli yn ein gweithlu neu sy’n wynebu rhwystrau amlwg. Mae hyn yn cynnwys pobl anabl a phobl o gefndiroedd ethnig lleiafrifol. Os hoffwch wybod mwy, cysylltwch â’r Tim Amrywiaeth a Chynhwysiant yn Wales_Diversity_and_Inclusion_Team@justice.gov.uk
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 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 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.
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.
Rydym yn croesawu ac yn annog ceisiadau gan bawb, yn cynnwys grwpiau sydd wedi’u tangynrychioli yn ein gweithlu ar hyn o bryd, ac rydym yn ymfalchïo mewn bod yn gyflogwr o safon uchel sy’n denu llawer o ymgeiswyr. Ewch i https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity gael rhagor o wybodaeth am sut rydym yn hyrwyddo amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant yn y gweithle.
Internal candidates to HMMPS to not need to produce their ID documents.
External candidates to HMPPS must bring their Passport, Driving Licence, bank statement (from within the last 3 months), another ID document and proof of their National Insurance number to ensure vetting requirements are met.
If you do not bring these documents with you on the day you will be unable to undertake an interview and no further slots will be made available.
12/02/2024, 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 - 83857.
For further information regarding this role please contact the team via email at grand.avenues@justice.gov.uk
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
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
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.