Senior Probation Officer - Pennine

Overview of the job

This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit.

The job holder will manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, and offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must 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.

Some out of hours working may be required.

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards.
• Ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost‑effectively and provide best value in terms of both budget control and realising the organisation’s strategic aims.
• Ensure that staff can efficiently and effectively meet the requirements of the NPS’ contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as required.
• Access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro‑actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims.
• Proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters. Adopt a consistent, fair and objective standpoint when making decisions in relation to individual staff issues.
• Ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute directly to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery.
• Manage financial resources for the area of responsibility as required by the Head of Operational Function and in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies. Authorise expenditure within financial limits.
• Provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, and represent the NPS as appropriate to the role.
• Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners.
• Play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
• Undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.

• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management) as a Probation Officer or from working within another criminal justice agency or related work context.
• Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System and in a multi‑disciplinary setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of the factors which influence engagement with victims.
• Experience of risk management and assessment, understanding of multi‑agency risk assessment and management procedures.
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice.
• Evidence of ability to provide a practice perspective on policy development.
• Experience of working under pressure and fulfilling demanding deadlines.
• Experience of working flexibly as a member of a team to achieve performance targets.
• Experience of…