Probation Services Officer - Unpaid Work - London North East 1 (Ref: 9262)
Overview
Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples\' lives. We\'re looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. 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. There’s no doubt this is a challenging role, but on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service are available. Day-to-day, you’ll manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence, assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system, and support offenders with practical help and listening.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
- Carry out the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation assessed as low or medium risk of harm and support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
- Provide case manager support and contribute to the delivery of the Risk Management plan; report significant changes relating to risk of harm and/or reoffending or any non-compliance within agreed enforcement procedures.
- 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.
- Undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in line with service procedures and policies.
- Undertake work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
- Provide cover within teams as required.
- Deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade.
- Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and follow prescribed medication procedures.
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling by reinforcing pro-social behaviour and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
- Work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.
Requirements and Qualifications
You don’t need a degree for this role. Personal qualities are important: you should be empathetic, patient and resilient, with good writing skills capable of producing clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines. Ideally you will have experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties.
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or Welsh (where specified) is required.
Additional Information
In line with PS policies, you must demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion and understand its relevance to the work. The post holder must adhere to policies regarding the sensitive/confidential nature of information handled. Some out-of-hours work may be required (e.g., Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting).
Selection and Behaviours
We will assess you against the following behaviours during the selection process: Delivering at Pace; Managing a Quality Service; Working Together; Communicating and Influencing; Developing Self and Others; Making Effective Decisions.
Benefits
- Access to learning and development
- A working environment that supports flexible working options to enhance work life balance
- A working culture that encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave, Public Holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
Other Information
Selection process details: This vacancy uses Success Profiles and will assess Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience. Feedback will be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks.Nationality requirements: See recruitment material for eligible groups. Working for the Civil Service: Merit-based recruitment, equal opportunities, and diversity initiatives are described in civil service guidance. You don’t need a degree for this role; personal qualities and experience matter most, plus reporting skills and empathy.
Salary and Career Progression
New entrants are expected to join at the minimum of the pay band. Starting salary is £26,475. Annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF) may apply. Pay bands may be adjusted in line with Civil Service Pay guidance.
