Probation Officers

Job Overview

To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by providing information and advice to criminal courts, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations. Supervise people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences. Contribute to the management of risk. Work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.

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 undertake. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• Undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk of serious harm including high and very high.
• Use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely and effective referrals to, and relationships between, offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, approved premises, prisons and external agencies to enhance positive outcomes, manage risk and reduce reoffending.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the PS at appropriate partnership forums (e.g., MAPPA, MARAC).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with PS 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.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Hold a PQF Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma and Level5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or a Diploma in Probation Studies; or a Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or a CQSW (Probation option).
• Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice and risk/needs assessment tools.
• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
• Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Experience of working with individuals and groups to motivate and change offending behaviour.
• Experience of working with people who have committed offences.