Qualified Probation Officer

Role Overview

Assess and manage the risk posed by offenders to protect victims of crime and the public. Provide information and advice to courts, criminal justice agencies and partner organisations; supervise offenders subject to community orders, licences and custodial sentences and contribute to risk management to prevent crime and support victims.

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board and other criminal justice agencies.
• Supervise offenders at all levels of risk of serious harm, including high and very high risk.
• Use computer‑based systems to produce, update and maintain records and documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely and effective referrals to and relationships with offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, approved premises, prisons and external agencies.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the National Probation Service (NPS) at partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff.
• Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required.
• Respond to risk escalation requests, determine risk level and, if high risk (endorsed by a manager), decide on management actions.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills, reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and challenging anti‑social behaviour.
• Work within the aims and values of the NPS and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS).

• Qualified Probation Officer or holder of a Probation Officer qualification.
• Honours degree, Graduate Diploma or Level5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or Diploma in Probation Studies; or Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or CQSW (Probation option).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System, relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice and risk/needs assessment tools.

• Ability to use computer‑based systems for documentation and record keeping.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English;
  Welsh acceptable where specified.
• Proven experience working with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Experience in motivating and changing offending behaviour and working with individuals who have committed offences.

• Full‑time, 37hours per week (excluding unpaid breaks).
• Hybrid working arrangements available where business need allows; role can be worked in the UK only.
• Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns are welcome where they meet role and business needs.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, rising to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays.
• Pension:
  Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
• Training:
  Extensive range of staff development and training opportunities.
• Employee networks:
  Opportunities to join networks for minority ethnic origins, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Family‑friendly policies:
  Reduced hours or job sharing and access to voluntary benefits such as retail vouchers.
• Childcare support:
  Eligibility for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.