Probation Services Officer – Programme Facilitator, Dorset – Poole (Ref: 82584)

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

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. 

This is an interesting and rewarding role to start or develop your career in the Criminal Justice System and learn all aspects of Prison and Probation work, with extensive career development opportunities within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and wider Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The Probation Service is committed to learning and development, and full training for the role is provided, with regular support and supervision being provided throughout your journey to develop your skills and experience. 

The role of Programme Facilitator is to deliver a range of group work programmes aimed at changing the attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of People on Probation. Responsibilities include: To provide guidance/feedback to Probation Practitioners on People on Probation’s progress within a group (including post programme reports).

Liaise with Probation Practitioners, Partner Link Workers and partner agencies. As a Programme Facilitator, you will be required to work evenings and could be required to work up to 4 unsocial shifts a week (i.e. evenings and/or a Saturday). Role Requirements include: To train in and deliver group work programmes for People on Probation as outlined in the Accredited Programme Manuals, and other interventions run by the Programmes Team. Undertake regular feedback sessions and respond constructively to feedback. Participate as required by the Treatment Manager in the preparation and planning of programmes.  To monitor participants’ progress within the group, providing them with feedback and recording their progress on the relevant systems. To contribute to the assessment of risk that a group participant may pose. To identify and take the necessary actions to protect children and vulnerable adults and promote their welfare in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures. To work as a team to support performance targets and integrity requirements.

Overview of the job    

The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation 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 people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
Summary    To assess and manage the risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by people on probation 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 risk of those people on probation 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 people on probation.

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

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties    

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

•    To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation 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 PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
•    Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
•    To work within the aims and values of PS and HMPPS.

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.

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

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Job contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
• Telephone : 0845 241 5358

Recruitment team

• Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com