38192 - NPS Learning Coach - Fixed Term

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 role will sit within MoJ People Group – NPS Learning Services Team

• Learning Coaches play a critical role in the National Probation Service – engaging new and experienced Probation Officers and PSOs to develop the skills and behaviours necessary to prevent victims and change lives.
• The learning coach role is a national role, with responsibility to facilitate learning events for HMPPS/NPS staff as well as CRC colleagues.
• The main body of work is aimed at new entrants following set training pathways and therefore the schedule of events is crucial in successful qualification completions.
• Largely training is delivered virtually via the use of MS Teams or Skype. This can be done in a home or office environment.
• Classroom training is minimal but overnight stays may be required to deliver such events. Where physical face to face training is required it will be delivered in a range of L&D venues and other nominated NOM/MOJ facilities.
• Learning Coaches will contribute to the development and amendment of the products, working with design faculty colleagues, who hold responsibility for the design of all new products.
• When required to do so, the post holder may be asked to undertake training activity across Learning and Development in HMPPS. 

Summary

Learning Coaches provide guidance, support, feedback and mentoring to operational staff across HMPPS / NPS through a programme of learning events tailored to specific groups and their distinct learning needs. These learning events are focused primarily on applied practice. They are underpinned by research evidence and best practice, supported with digital / online resources to support on-the-job performance.

Successful Learning Coaches are knowledgeable and inclusive facilitators and role models, able to flex their style and approach to meet the needs of individual learners as well as the HMPPS business plan and vision.

To do this, Learning Coaches:

• Manage the training and development of the learner during their learning, enabling them to perform their duties to the standard expected by HMPPS/NPS, private and third sector organisations.
• Draw on their knowledge and experience of working as a qualified Probation Officer or PSO or other Criminal Justice experience
• Are confident in the use of NPS software systems to assess risks and document case notes (such as OASys and nDelius)
• Are comfortable using digital platforms to facilitate remote learning events (such as MS Teams, Zoom or Skype)
• Maintain current knowledge of policy, procedure and relevant legislation in line with the courses they are delivering.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Deliver a portfolio of HMPPS/NPS business specific training programmes, within the specified time frame, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies.
• Create a learning environment, role-model new mindsets and behaviours, and provide structured feedback and support.
• Manage and report on learners’ performance, development and attendance, submitting end-of-course paperwork where required and providing feedback to line-managers if appropriate.
• Continually assess learners as to their competence, ability and aptitude against specified assessment criteria, through formative and summative assessments. This will include recognising the potential for bias to cloud judgement and working to ensure that assessment is at all times fair, objective and evidence based.
• Stay up-to-date on relevant operational knowledge, including both current legislation and HMPPS/NPS policies.
• Create virtual events on platforms such as MS Teams and sending joining instructions and pre-requisite reading in a timely fashion in advance of the event.
• Provide subject specialist knowledge as appropriate to their curriculum area.
• Ensure that the needs of individual learners are met by embedding equality considerations into all aspects of training and delivery and promoting inclusion consistent with the ethos of the organisation.
• Ensure that any requirements in line with the Equality Act 2010 are met in relation to learner specific needs and reasonable adjustments i.e. adaptation to both classroom environment and virtual settings as well as training aids/material being compliant with Assistive Technology.
• Look after learners’ wellbeing, ensuring that support and signposting protocols are made available as appropriate.
• Ensure that confidentiality and sensitivity awareness in relation to the management of individual learners will always be adhered to
• Manage information disclosed that has a bearing on risk to service users, victims or staff.

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 undertake additional tasks commensurate with their grade.

Success Profiles:

Behaviours

• Seeing the Bigger Picture
• Developing Self and Others
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working together

Essential Skills, Qualifications, Accreditation and Registration

• A level 6 qualification in a recognised Probation Qualification Pathway or a level 6 teaching qualification with experience within a criminal justice or similar setting (eg Social Work; Police).
• A learner-centred approach to training, using facilitation skills to engage learners in dialogue and coaching learners to apply and practice new skills
• Strong organisational skills, planning and attention to detail
• A commitment to fostering the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce
• Broadly knowledgeable of current operational practices across Probation, Prisons and Courts
• Competent and capable in the use of NPS systems (such as OASys and nDelius) – or a willingness to learn once in post
• Comfortable using remote learning platforms (such as MS Teams, Zoom or Skype)

Hours of Work

37 hours per week – flexible working arrangements will be considered.