21246 - Deputy Head of Function

Ministry of JusticeDurham, NC
Hybrid

About The Position

Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function, the post holder will be deployed to a variety of roles in order to provide strategic support. The post holder will support the Head of LDU Cluster providing management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) Local Delivery Unit (LDU). They will represent the Head of LDU Cluster with external agencies/stakeholders and staff as appropriate. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours on call rota.

Requirements

  • Significant experience at middle manager level, including the management of staff
  • Experience of monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements
  • Experience of budgetary control incl. procurement
  • Experience of managing relationships incl. working with key local agencies and stakeholders
  • Evidence of preparing high level written reports to a good standard
  • A qualification in one of the following areas: Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Or, a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007. The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option), CQSW (with Probation Option).
  • Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system
  • Must be a qualified Probation Officer.

Nice To Haves

  • May be required to participate in out of hours on call rota.

Responsibilities

  • Cluster operational lead on caseload segmentation issues such as Child Sexual Exploitation, Guns and Gangs, Integrated Offender Management etc.
  • Operational support to the Head of Cluster within relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as Recall, High Risk of Serious Harm Case Transfers, etc.
  • Providing support to the Head of Cluster within the relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as, grievance, discipline, capability, complaints, etc.
  • Responsible for the professional development of cluster staff
  • Responsible for developing and deploying the Cluster Training Needs Analysis
  • Ensure effective cluster employee recruitment and induction
  • Act as cluster lead for performance & quality
  • Act as cluster lead for audits and inspections
  • Operational support to the Head of Cluster in completing reviews and delivery of action plans such as Domestic Homicides, Serious Further Reviews, Serious Case Reviews, etc.
  • Responsible for the management of the Business Manager and the administrative support functions within the cluster
  • Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster; represent the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks in line with statutory responsibilities and operational policy
  • Participate in the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetings
  • In the absence of the Head of LDU Cluster to make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison
  • Operational support to the Head of cluster in the management of complaints within the cluster and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary
  • Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster to take the lead on specific divisional or cluster projects/portfolios including Equality and Diversity, Reward and Recognition, etc.
  • Operational support to the Head of cluster in cluster compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
  • Senior Management responsibility for estates, buildings and maintenance activities within the cluster
  • Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes
  • Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
  • Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS

Benefits

  • 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
  • The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
  • The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
  • 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.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
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