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PS Job Description (JD)
PS Band 3
Directorate: Probation Service
Job Description: Probation Services Officer
Document Ref.
PS-JES-0031 Probation Services Officer v7.0
Document Type
Management
Version
7.0
Classification
Official
Date of Issue
5 December 2024
Status
Baselined
Produced by
Job Evaluation Asurance and Support Team
Authorised by
Reward Team
JD Evidence
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PS-JES-0031 Probation Services Officer v7.0
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PS Job Description
Job Title
Probation Services Officer
Directorate
Probation Service
Band
3
Overview of the
The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on
job
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, The job holder will be required to carry out the following
Activities &
responsibilities, activities and duties:
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
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PS-JES-0031 Probation Services Officer v7.0
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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.
Civil Service Success Profile Criteria
Behaviours
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
Strengths
Note: we recommend you choose 4 to 8 strengths locally - select
from the list of Civil Service strength definitions on the intranet.
Ability
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Experience
• Experience of helping and/or supporting people who have
experienced a range of social and/or personal difficulties
• Experience in planning and coordinating work
• Experience of working with groups or individuals in order to
motivate and change behaviour
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PS-JES-0031 Probation Services Officer v7.0
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• An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities
and diversity good practice
• Understanding of factors related to offending e.g. substance
misuse, accommodation issues and being able to emphasise
constructively with a range of people
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of case
management
• Knowledge and understanding of risk management/risk
assessment as pertaining to offenders and the impact on
victims of crime
• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation in the workplace
• Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal
Justice System and Probation Service
• Knowledge of the aims and objectives of the Probation
Service
Technical
• The ability to evidence high level numeracy and literacy skills
required to read, understand and interpret policies and the
ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and
external stakeholders or minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or
above, including English, Maths
Minimum
Please do not alter this box
Eligibility
• All candidates are subject to security and identity checks
prior to taking up post.
• All external candidates are subject to 6 months’
probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if
they have not already served a probationary period within
HMPPS.
• All staff are required to declare whether they are a member
of a group or organisation which HMPPS consider to be
racist.
Hours of Work
Leave Blank
(Unsocial Hours) To be used by the JES Team only
Allowances
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PS-JES-0031 Probation Services Officer v7.0