Probation Officer

Responsibilities

• 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 risk levels, 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 maintain relationships between offender‑management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, approved premises, prisons and external agencies to enhance positive outcomes, manage risk and reduce re‑offending.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the Probation Service 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 as appropriate.
• Provide cover within the team and to other teams as required.
• Undertake visits to prison, home or other alternate locations 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 the 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 the Probation Service and Her Majesty’s Prison Service.

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Have a PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or a Diploma in Probation Studies; or a Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or a CQSW (Probation option).
• Have a knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
• Possess a working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Be familiar with evidence‑based practice and risk/needs assessment tools.
• Be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English (and Welsh where specified in Wales).