Senior Probation Officer - HMP Stocken

This Senior Probation Officer post sits in the East Midlands Public Protection unit of the National Probation Service, based at HMP Stocken. The job holder leads and manages staff in an operational unit, answers for team performance and public protection standards, and manages budgets and offender risk. It is a permanent full-time post with a reserve list held for 12 months, and hybrid working is available where business needs allow.

Applicants need a relevant probation qualification and must meet the Civil Service nationality rules.

• Provide management and leadership to the team and be accountable for the quality of practice and team performance
• Manage staff development, underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters
• Ensure offender managers manage risk appropriately and meet public protection standards and targets
• Manage financial resources for the area within HMPPS regulations, authorise spending within limits, and deploy team resources cost-effectively
• Access, interpret and apply performance data to improve team performance and evaluate practice
• Contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and casework review and feedback
• Provide a leading role with partners and stakeholders and represent the NPS as appropriate
• Facilitate communication between the unit management team and internal and external partners
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery
• Play an active part in corporate management as a unit management team member, cover other teams during absence and take on delegated responsibilities
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling and carry out safeguarding children duties
• Work within the aims and values of the NPS and HMPPS and accept reasonable additional tasks at a similar level

• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma or honours degree in Community Justice, integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or an equivalent qualification recognised under Section 10 of the…

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in offender risk assessment and management, as a Probation Officer or in a related criminal justice context
• Experience of risk management and multi-agency risk assessment and management procedures
• Demonstrable achievements in managing or supporting change to improve quality and efficiency
• Experience of working under pressure to meet demanding deadlines
• Experience of working flexibly as a team member to achieve performance targets
• Experience of championing diversity and inclusiveness internally and externally

• Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the criminal justice system and in multi-disciplinary settings
• Knowledge of the factors that influence engagement with victims
• Ability to evaluate practice and provide a practice perspective on policy development
• Well-developed IT skills, including interpreting and applying performance reports
• Experience contributing to effective administration and information systems

• Standard DBS check
• Security and identity checks before taking up post

• Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English, or in Welsh where specified
• Ability to implement the service's health and safety policies

• 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 after five years, plus public holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund
• Prison Environmental Allowance of £737
• Hybrid working where business need allows
• Family friendly policies, including reduced hours and job share
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
• Flexible benefits, retail vouchers and discounts, plus free annual sight tests for screen users
• Training and development opportunities and employee networks