Probation Services Officer - West Sussex PDU

Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. There are many reasons to join the Probation Service. What will yours be?, Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples' lives. It's not always easy to help someone turn their life around, but it can be immensely rewarding.

We're looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. As well as making a difference to others, the role offers plenty of on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service.

As a PSO, you'll have a similar job to a fully qualified probation officer. The main difference is you'll work with medium and lower-risk clients. That's not to say it'll be easy. There's no doubt this is a challenging role.

Day-to-day, you'll manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence. We'll look to you to assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system. You'll also do everything you can to support offenders. This could involve everything from providing practical advice about housing and employment to simply listening and empathising., 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 judgment., 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 the 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 offenders.


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 work may be required (i.e. Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting, etc)

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

Probation Services Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.

• To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with offenders 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 NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies


• Demonstrate pro-social modeling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.


• To work within the aims and values of the PS


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., 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 (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS' Flexible Working policy.,
• What role did you play in supporting the individual/s?


• How did you assist them with their individual needs?


• What skills did you develop which could support you in the role of the Probation Services Officer? - 250 word limit
  
  You don't need a degree for this role. We're much more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally, with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you'll be empathetic, patient and resilient. Good writing skills are also essential. You must be able to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines., Making Effective Decisions


• Managing a quality service


• Working Together


• Delivering at Pace


• Communicating and Influencing


• Developing Self and Others


Essential Experience

• Experience of working with a diverse range of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties and the need to use tact and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues


• Experience in planning and coordinating work


• Experience of working with groups or individuals in order to motivate and change behaviour


• An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice


An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh

Technical requirements

• Minimum 2 GCSE's at Grade C or above, including English, Maths or the ability to evidence high-level numeracy and literacy skills required to read, understand and interpret policies and the ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders


• Understanding of factors related to offending e.g. substance misuse, accommodation issues and being able to emphasise constructively with a range of people


• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of case management.


• Knowledge and understanding of risk management/risk assessment as pertaining to offenders and the impact on victims of crime


• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation in the workplace


• Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service


• Knowledge of the aims and objectives of the Probation Service


Ability

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with offenders, professionals, courts and other public fora., Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit

Developing Self and Others - 250 word limit
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Experience
Please describe your experience of helping and/or supporting people who have experienced a range of social and/or personal difficulties. This experience could be from paid work, volunteer work, or from any other setting., Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, written communication assessed across application form and verbal communication assessed in the interview.

By managing offenders in the community, the Probation Service protects the public from the effect of crime and gives offenders the chance to turn their lives around. Join us and you'll be part of a supportive team that thrives on sharing knowledge and expertise., The CSJT is stage one of your application process and you will have the option to complete a practice test immediately before taking the test, to give you an insight of what to expect before you start.

If you are successful in passing this stage, your full application will be sifted once the application deadline has closed. You will then receive further instruction on the progress and outcome of your application.

You can find out more about the CSJT and complete a practice test now here.

If you would like more information relating to reasonable adjustments and the CSJT, please see more details here. You can also watch a short a video here.

Please note that there will be a short window of 2 working days to discuss and agree any adjustments for the online test, following the job advert closing.
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.

If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £25,310 (pay award pending).

The Probation Service offers the opportunity for annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF), which if eligible, will see your pay increase. CBF is designed to enable you to move up through the pay band range as your competence grows.

Probation Service also increases their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will also apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable., The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be 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 (GMPF). Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information.

Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

Eligibility

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

Support

• A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.


• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.


• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.


• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.


• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.


Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Shared Service Connected Ltd (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);


• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);


• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)


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. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Interview dates
Interviews are provisionally scheduled for the 21st-31st October 2024. Please note this is subject to change.
Closing Date, Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.
Any candidate who has been assessed as being appointable to the role they applied for may be offered a similar, lower grade role, if one is available. Furthermore, any candidate who has just missed meeting the criteria for a particular role, may be appointed to a similar role at a lower grade if such a role is available, and if they have been assessed as meeting the criteria for the lower grade role. These appointments will also be made in merit order.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.