Job Description

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.

The job holder will be expected to manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, and will offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence.

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
• 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
• To access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively
• To proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters
• 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
• To promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• To manage financial resources for your area of responsibility
• In accordance with the business plan, to provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders
• 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
• To undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills and carry out safeguarding children duties

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a Probation Officer or in a related criminal justice agency
• Understanding of the Probation Service role in the Criminal Justice System
• Knowledge and understanding of factors influencing engagement with victims
• Experience of risk management and assessment, including multi-agency procedures
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and 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
• Well developed IT skills, including ability to interpret and apply performance reports
• Experience of proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness
• Ability to implement health and safety policies
• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice or equivalent recognised qualification

Working at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. Annual leave: 25 days on appointment (rising to 30 after five years) plus public holidays. Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Training and development opportunities available. Employee-run networks for diverse groups.

Eligibility

This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). All candidates subject to security and identity checks. Open to UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work, EU/EEA nationals with settled status, and limited other groups as detailed in the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Application Process

Apply via [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] careers portal. Application includes behaviours, experience (CV/Work History and Statement of Suitability), and technical questions. Interview includes behaviours, strengths, and a presentation. Security check: DBS Standard. For queries: [contact hidden] or [contact hidden].