Ministry of Justice

Overview of the job

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 Stalking Threat Assessment Centre has had a successful and exciting journey in developing a model of working with stalking perpetrators. The multi-agency team which is comprised of Police, Psychologists, Victim advocates and Probation has established itself as a source of expertise on stalking for practitioners across a range of agencies in the Criminal Justice Community and has provided training and case consultations to PS staff and key partners across London.

Summary

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. In line with NPS 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.

The postholder will be responsible for line management, oversight and the quality assurance of work completed by probation STAC seconded staff. They will be responsible for the delivery and ongoing review of the probation STAC operational model which will include knowledge of stalking, data collection and analysis, probation managerial oversight of multi-agency systems, sustainability planning and successful partnership working. They will provide managerial probation representation at both internal/external meetings (e.g STAC Business Meetings, MAPPA, HMPPS & other strategic meetings), develop/provide training and undertake development and review of partnership pathways, processes and operational documents (e.g. Operational Guidelines). This is a brief outline summary of the role and the postholder maybe required to undertake other activities where needed. 

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

Senior Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.

• 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. NPS-JES-0033_ Senior Probation Officer_v4.0

• 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 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 Job Evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.