23720 - Probation Officer - East and West Lincolnshire

Ministry of Justice • Boston, MA

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Probation Officer undertakes offender-management work with people on probation under supervision, including assessment, sentence implementation and report writing. The role uses service procedures and practice directions to support professional judgement and aims to assess and manage risk, protect victims and the public, and reduce reoffending.

The post holder provides information and advice to courts, criminal justice agencies and partner organisations; supervises people on probation subject to community orders, licences and custodial sentences; contributes to risk management; and works with other agencies to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation. The role requires commitment to equality and inclusion and careful handling of sensitive and confidential information.

The position is based in the East and West Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Unit. Hybrid working may be available where business needs allow, with arrangements agreed with the successful candidate and subject to review. Work must be performed in the UK, not overseas.

Requirements

• Hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Hold one of the specified qualifications: PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; Diploma in Probation Studies; Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or CQSW (Probation option).
• Experience working with a wide variety of people who have experienced social or personal difficulties.
• Experience working with diverse communities, including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Experience working with individuals and groups to motivate them and change offending behaviour.
• Experience working with people who have committed offences.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
• Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools.
• Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role confidently in English, or in Welsh where specified in Wales.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and assessments, including written reports, to courts, the Parole Board, criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
• Undertake offender-management tasks with people on probation assessed at all levels of risk of serious harm, including high and very high.
• Use computer-based systems to produce, update and maintain records and documentation within agreed timescales.
• Make timely and effective referrals and maintain relationships between offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons and external agencies.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the Probation Service at partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships, and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide cover within the post holder’s team and other teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or other alternative-location visits as required.
• Deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests and follow prescribed medication procedures.
• Carry out safeguarding duties for children in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Model pro-social behaviour by reinforcing pro-social attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• Work within the aims and values of the Probation Service and HMPPS.
• Demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion and comply with policies for handling sensitive and confidential information.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• A range of training and development opportunities.
• Opportunity to join employee-run networks that provide advice and support and communicate the views of employees from minority groups to senior management.
• Family-friendly policies, including opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits, including voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on goods and services.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level