Probation Officer Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Job Overview

Post holders will undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation under supervision including assessment, sentence implementation and producing reports; utilising service procedures and practice directions to underpin professional judgement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• Assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public.
• Deliver and co lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely referrals to and relationships between offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons and external agencies to enhance positive outcomes, manage risk and reduce reoffending.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the PS at partnership forums e.g. MAPPA, 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 and across teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits as required.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with PS 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.

Essential Experience

• Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
• Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Experience of working with individuals and groups in order to motivate and change offending behaviour.
• Experience of working with people who have committed offences.

Technical Requirements

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer (PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 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 work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
• A working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Knowledge of evidence based practice and risk/needs assessment tools.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits and Working Arrangements

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. Part time, flexible and job sharing working patterns are welcome where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and increases to 30 days after five years' service, with leave for part time and job share posts calculated on a pro rata basis.

Pension: The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Training and development opportunities are provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. The role is open to UK nationals, the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals with right to work, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals with settled or pre settled status, and other eligible groups. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.

Security Checks Required

DBS Standard level required.