NPS Job Description (JD)
NPS Band 5
Directorate: National Probation Service
Job Description: Polygraph Examiner
Document Ref.
NPS-NAT_0003 _Pay Band 5 Polygraph Examiner_v3.0
Document Type
Management
Version
3.0
Classification
Unclassified
Date of Issue
15/06/2020
Status
Baselined
Produced by
Head of Group
Authorised by
Reward Team
JD Evidence
NPS-NAT_0003 _Pay Band 5 Polygraph Examiner_v3.0
NPS Job Description
Job Title
Polygraph Examiner
Directorate
National Probation Service
Band
5
Overview of the job
To contribute as a member of the public protection team and assist in the risk
assessment of sexual offenders. Polygraph examiners will operate as members of
public protection teams but will work collaboratively with offender management
teams with in the NPS. Examiners testing terrorist offenders will work within the NPS
Counter-Terrorism Units.
Summary
Polygraph examinations will be the priority work of polygraph examiners
During periods of low demand for polygraph testing nationally they may be required
to carry out other duties. Any additional work that polygraph examiners carry out,
must not be with any offenders that they will be polygraph testing. Additional duties
could be any of the following: holding a small caseload, programme facilitation (if
currently employed delivering community sex offender treatment programmes), pre-
sentence report writing.
As such, a polygraph examiner can be expected to take on one or more of the
following roles for the type of offender indicated.
Role Type of offender
Offender Manager
All types
Preparation of Pre-sentence reports
All types
Community Sex Offender Facilitator
Sexual offenders
Responsibilities,
The role outline is dynamic and the job holder will be required to carry out the
Activities & Duties
following responsibilities, activities and duties:
? As a qualified polygraph examiner, carry out polygraph examinations on all high
risk offenders according to their licence condition and based on referrals from
the supervising officer and according to the American Polygraph Association
rules. These will include sexual offenders, domestic abuse perpetrators and
terrorist offenders and any other offender type that may, at a later date and
according to legislation be mandatorily tested.
? Carry out pre polygraph examination interviews in accordance with the American
Polygraph Association rules
? Carry out polygraph examinations following a referral from the supervising
officer on all offenders who are subject to the required licence condition on any
discretionary cases.
? Carry out post polygraph examination interviews according to the American
Polygraph Association rules
? Craft polygraph examination questions in full collaboration with the supervising
officer
? Notify the supervising officer of any offenders subject to the polygraph licence
condition of any failures to attend or comply with instructions in accordance with
the licence conditions
? Contribute to discussions regarding risk assessment and management
? Prepare a post polygraph examination written report on the results of the
polygraph examination in accordance with the American Polygraph Association
rules
? Promote the use of polygraph examinations within the NPS
? Provide briefings and presentations on the use of the polygraph examination to
the NPS and other Government Departments as required
? Answer queries regarding the use of the polygraph examination to offender
managers and senior managers within the NPS
? Cover for other polygraph examiner colleagues in other NPS Divisions during
periods of leave, sickness or any other absence
NPS-NAT_0003 _Pay Band 5 Polygraph Examiner_v3.0
Offender Manager and Pre-sentence report preparation
This includes offender management, preparing pre sentence reports and group work.
Prepare sentence plans, implement and/or oversee interventions, review and
evaluate
? Supervise and motivate those under supervision in accordance with sentence
plan.
? Ensure contact is maintained with offenders in accordance with National
Standards.
? Maintain contact with offenders in custody.
? Follow enforcement procedures and initiate enforcement action as necessary.
? Enter all appropriate offender information onto computer records in accordance
with National Standards and local procedures.
? Refer to other agencies as necessary.
? Assess and manage cases in line with the relevant policies and procedures e.g.
safeguarding; MAPPA in order to ensure effective management of risk and
reduction in offending.
? Allocate interventions, as appropriate, to offender manager/supervisor in
accordance with local procedures; provide advice and guidance, as necessary.
? Ensures service delivery reflects the Probation Service Equality of Opportunity
and anti-racism policies.
Sex Offending Treatment Programmes
Polygraph examiners who are trained and accredited to deliver one of the nationally
recognised sex offender treatment programmes will be required to facilitate a limited
number of group work sessions during periods of low national demand for polygraph
examinations.
? Facilitate sex offending treatment programme according to the programme
manual.
? Prepare programme sessions in collaboration with colleague facilitator
? Debrief post programme session with colleague facilitator
? Maintain records on NDelius and IAPS to requirements
? Engage with Treatment Management
? Prepare reports
? Maintain Structured Assessment of Risk and Need reports
? Attend 3 way meetings with offender managers as required
? Willing to travel across England and Wales NPS Divisions
Local Engagement & Representation
? Build and maintain strong working relationships with key partners.
? Maintain appropriate links and relationships relevant to Multi Agency Public
Protection Arrangements.
? Represent the NPS in relevant meetings and workgroups as assigned by the Team
Manager.
? Work collaboratively with internal and external Providers to ensure appropriate
interventions are available to reduce reoffending.
? Maintain effective links with local courts and sentences in line with the locally
agreed protocols and arrangements
? Maintain effective working relationships with the local police, Youth Justice
Service and other agencies.
? Maintain relationships and dialogue with local communities and community
groups.
Other Responsibilities
? Work to increase public confidence in the work of the NPS, and to develop and
maintain a positive public profile of the NPS within the team.
? To comply with and promote adherence to all NPS policies and procedures at all
times
? Developing productive working relationships with all colleagues.
? Develop own knowledge and skills to meet objectives.
? Attend the mandatory American Polygraph Association Seminar every two years
in order to maintain APA accreditation.
? Engage and respond to mandatory Quality Assurance requirements
NPS-NAT_0003 _Pay Band 5 Polygraph Examiner_v3.0
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
alternations 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.
Behaviours
? Leadership
? Communicating and Influencing
? Developing Self and Others
? Working Together
? Making Effective Decisions
? Delivering at Pace
? Managing a Quality Service
Strengths
? Precise
? Team Player
? Adaptable
? Inclusive
? Problem Solver
? Resilient
Essential Experience
? Minimum of 2 years direct experience of working with those convicted of sexual
offences either as an offender manager or programme facilitator
? Excellent report writing skills
? Excellent Communication Skills
? Ability to work effectively as a team player
? Presentation skills
Technical
? Probation Qualification - Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community
requirements
Justice Integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice
(or)
A qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the State for
Justice as per Section 10 of The Offender Management Act 2007:The following
qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as
providing such eligibility:
o Diploma in Probation Studies,
o Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
o CQSW (with Probation Option.)
? Degree or equivalent level qualification
? Up to date knowledge and expertise of risk management and assessment
? Excellent IT skills
Ability
Minimum 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
(Unsocial Hours)
Allowances
NPS-NAT_0003 _Pay Band 5 Polygraph Examiner_v3.0
Success Profile
Strengths
N.B. The below are for
Behaviours
guidance only, it is
Ability
Experience
Technical
advised strengths are
chosen locally,
recommended 4-8
Probation Qualification - Graduate
Diploma/Honours Degree in Community
Justice Integrated with Level 5 Diploma
in Probation Practice
(or)
A qualification which was recognised at
Direct experience of working with
the time of qualification by the State for
sexual offenders either as an
Justice as per Section 10 of The Offender
Leadership
Precise
offender manager or sex offender
Management Act 2007:The following
programme facilitator
qualifications gained in England and
Wales were previously recognised as
providing such eligibility:
o Diploma in Probation Studies,
o Diploma in Social Work (with
Probation Option)
o CQSW (with Probation Option.)
Communicating and Influencing
Team Player
Excellent report writing skills
Degree or equivalent level qualification
Up to date knowledge and expertise of
Excellent Communication and
Developing Self and Others
Adaptable
risk management and assessment of
presentation skills
sexual offenders
Working Together
Inclusive
Excellent IT skills
Making Effective Decisions
Problem Solver
Delivering at Pace
Resilient
Managing a Quality Service
NPS-NAT_0003 _Pay Band 5 Polygraph Examiner_v3.0