Probation Officers, Newmarket

To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general public by providing information and advice to criminal courts, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations; supervising people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences; contributing to the management of risk; and working with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and people on probation.

• Provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, and other criminal justice agencies.
• Undertake the full range of 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 other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Ensure timely and effective referrals to, and relationships between, offender management, court teams, victim contact units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons and external agencies to enhance positive outcomes, manage risk and reduce re‑offending.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the Probation Service at appropriate partnership forums (e.g. MAPPA, MARAC).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
• Undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits 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 statutory responsibilities and agency policies.

In line with Probation Service policies and procedures, the role holder must demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work undertaken. The post holder must adhere to all policies regarding the sensitive and confidential nature of information handled in this role.

• Probation Officer qualification or equivalent, including
  • 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).
• Knowledge and understanding of the work 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.

• Experience working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
• Experience working with diverse communities, promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Understanding and appreciation of equality.
• Experience motivating and changing offending behaviour in individuals and groups.
• Experience working with people who have committed offences.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

• Hybrid working arrangements are available where business need allows. This role must be based in the UK.
• Day‑to‑day working hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks.
• All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to appointment.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years' service (pro‑rata for part‑time and job‑share posts).
• National Probation Service pension scheme through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (LGPS).
• Extensive training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of Justice.
• Family‑friendly policies, including reduced hours and job‑sharing options.
• Paid parental leave (paternity, adoption and maternity) and free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.