Probation Officers

Senior Probation Officer – Overview 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. Senior Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below. Responsibilities 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 your area of responsibility as required by your 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. The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under Job Evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder. Working Arrangement The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home. Hybrid Working will only be available in the UK and not overseas. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. Core Skills Working Together Developing Self and Others Delivering at Pace Managing a Quality Service Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Leadership Essential Experience Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management). 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 contributing to the provision of effective administration and information systems. Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and effecting improvements in quality and efficiency. Able to demonstrate well‑developed IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reports. Experience of proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness both internally and externally. Ability to implement the services health and safety policies. Technical Requirements Probation Qualification Framework – Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Or a qualification recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice (Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007). Examples: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option), CQSW (with Probation Option). Proficiency in spoken English or, where specified in Wales, Welsh. Statement of Suitability Applicants should demonstrate, through the Statement of Suitability, significant experience in risk assessment, programme management, and workforce development, alongside evidence of pro‑social leadership and practice‑based policy development. The Statement should detail how the candidate’s experience satisfies the essential experience and technical requirements outlined above. Benefits Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service (plus public holidays). Pro‑rata for part‑time and job‑share posts. Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities offered by the MoJ. Employee networks: Access to employee‑run networks supporting minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ staff. Family‑friendly policies: Reduced hours, job sharing, flexible benefits, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts. Parental leave: Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave. Health & Wellbeing: Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens. Additional Information All candidates will be subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. The MoJ is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Veterans are invited to apply under the dedicated programme. Where required, candidates will undergo a DBS check (Standard level). #J-18808-Ljbffr