Probation Officer Probation Service

Summary

To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the public by providing information and advice, supervising probationers, contributing to risk management, and working with agencies to prevent crime.

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, and partners.
• Undertake offender management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk.
• Use computer‑based systems to produce, update, and maintain records within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely referrals and relationships between offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons, and external agencies.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the PS at partnership forums (e.g., MAPPA, MARAC).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships, and provide guidance to PSOs and other staff.
• Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Attend prison, home, or alternate location visits as required.
• Deliver and co‑lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding duties for children per statutory responsibilities.
• Model pro‑social behaviour, reinforce positive attitudes, and challenge anti‑social behaviour.
• Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
• Accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of similar level.
• Communicate effective English;
  Welsh may be required in Wales.

• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced social/personal difficulties.
• Experience of working with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Motivating and changing offending behaviour.
• Experience of working with people who have committed offences.

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Probation Officer qualifications: PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation; or Diploma in Probation Studies or Social Work (Probation option); or CQSW (Probation option).
• Knowledge and understanding 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.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years; pro‑rata for part‑time.
• Pension:
  National Probation Service covered by Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training and development: extensive opportunities provided by the Ministry of Justice.
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share, flexible benefits.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave; free annual sight tests.
• Hybrid working arrangements where business need allows.