Senior Probation officer – Wirral

Overview

This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit. This role involves managing and leading staff within the operational area to the required standard and offering support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. The Senior Probation Officer must demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion, adhere to policies regarding confidentiality and sensitive information, and may be required to work some out‑of‑hours.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• To provide effective management and leadership to the team
• To be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards
• To ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost effectively and provide best value in terms of both budget control and realising the organisation’s strategic aims
• To ensure that staff can efficiently and effectively meet the requirements of the NPS’ contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as required
• To access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro‑actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims
• To proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters. Adopt a consistent, fair and objective standpoint when making decisions in relation to individual staff issues
• To ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targets
• To contribute directly to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback
• To promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery
• To manage financial resources for your area of responsibility as required by your Head of Operational Function and in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies. To authorise expenditure within financial limits
• In accordance with the business plan, to provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, and represent the NPS as appropriate to the role
• To facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners
• To play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team
• To undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
• To work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS

Behaviours

• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

Essential Experience

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management) as a Probation Officer or from working within another criminal justice agency or related work context
• Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System and in a multi‑disciplinary setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of the factors which influence engagement with victims
• Experience of risk management and assessment, understanding of multi‑agency risk assessment and management procedures
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice
• Evidence of ability to provide a practice perspective on policy development
• Experience of working under pressure and fulfilling demanding deadlines
• Experience of working flexibly as a member of a team to achieve performance targets
• Experience of contributing to the provision of effective administration and information systems
• Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and effecting improvements in quality and efficiency
• Able to demonstrate well developed IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reports
• Experience of proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness both internally and externally
• Ability to implement the services health and safety policies
• 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

• 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)

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. This informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites or from home. This role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas. Some roles will not be suitable for hybrid working. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles the successful candidate will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. The appointment will be discussed and agreed upon completion of pre‑employment checks.

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.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment (increasing to 30 days after five years of service) plus public holidays.
• Leave for part‑time and job share posts calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
• Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
• Access to training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of Justice.
• Opportunity to join employee‑run networks for minority groups, employees with disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTIQ+.
• Family friendly policies such as reduced hours, job share and flexible benefits.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of background, and will provide adjustments throughout all recruitment stages for disabled candidates and for those with caring responsibilities or other circumstances.

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

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