Probation Services Officer (Approved Premises) (Ref: 91696)

The Probation Service works with over 30,000 people on probation each year, supporting their rehabilitation while protecting the public. It is not an easy job, can be challenging – and may involve working with people with complex needs – but it is a rewarding one with variety, training and the chance to turn people’s lives around.
Approved Premises (AP) are residential units, primarily for those who have been released on licence and who require a high level of supervision to manage the risk of harm they present to the public. The AP plays a key role in supporting the management of these offenders in their transition from custody into the community. As part of your role as a PSO you will carry out keywork with the residents and engage with them in purposeful activities to assist their rehabilitation in the community.
The PSO working pattern will include some evenings and weekends. Unsocial hours allowances are applicable.
To find out more and to hear the testimonies of existing staff please click on the link below.
Probation services officer - Ministry of Justice
Overview of the job
The job holder will undertake the full range of work with offenders before and after sentence. This will include assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports.
The job holder will provide case management support to a full range of offenders utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
Summary
To assess and manage the risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by offenders to protect victims of crime and the general public by:
+ Liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies
+ Supervise and manage risk of those offenders subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
+ Work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.
In line with PS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.
The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
If relevant to the role, some out of hours working may be required (i.e. Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting etc)
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
+ To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and to support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
+ When providing case manager support, to contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan and report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or of reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures.
+ To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
+ Ensure effective referrals to services and facilities and communicate with offender management staff, interventions staff, service providers and external agencies to review progress and associated risks.
+ To undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
+ To undertake work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
+ To provide cover within teams as required.
+ To deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
+ To conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and to follow prescribed medication procedures.
+ Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the 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.
+ To work within the aims and values of PS 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 the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh, Technical 1, We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Working Together
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ Please refer to Job Description

Benefits
+ Access to learning and development
+ A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
+ A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
+ A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
+ Annual Leave
+ Public Holidays
+ Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Things you need to know

Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English, Maths or the ability to evidence high level numeracy and literacy skills required to read, and understand and interpret policies and the ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.