A great opportunity has arisen to join the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway as a Probation Practitioner (PDPO). This role is part time (0.5 FTE) which can be offered as a split role alongside a Probation Practitioner role. You will join our Cornwall team supporting with the Core Offender Management tasks (including triaging, OPD consultations, formulations, staff training and OPD joint casework) as well as supporting our IIRMS provision. We pride ourselves on being a small supportive team and we are excited about having a PDPO with us again. Full training for the role will be provided. The PDPO is a highly valued role within the team and wider Probation Service. If you have any questions or want to discuss the role further please do not hesitate to get in touch with Candice Gurney (OPD Pathway Clinical Lead), candice.gurney1@justice.gov.uk. The PDPO will work alongside NHS OPD colleagues in the delivery of case identification, triage, case formulation, training, and possible delivery of interventions within the OPD Pathway, Intensive Intervention and Risk Management Service (IIRMS) and Approved Premises. In this unique and challenging role, the post holder will be responsible for jointly developing and delivering the key elements of partnership working within this field, resulting in an integrated, sustained package of training and psychologically driven work which will enhance existing offender management arrangements. Responsibilities may include: Promoting an understanding of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway to PS staff. Provide OPD Consultations with PS staff to help support and enhance their engagement, understanding management of People on Probation presenting as high-risk who screen into the OPD Pathway. Write basic formulations from the OPD Consultations (with the support of the OPD Pathway Psychologists and wider OPD team). Work jointly with NHS OPD colleagues to manage the development and implementation of the workforce training package to PS staff, within teams and Approved Premises (APs). Participate in the development and delivery of the Intensive Intervention and Risk Management Service (IIRMS). Including the staffing of the 'Social Hub' and delivering group work as required. Maintain a very small IIRMS and/or OPD Joint Casework caseload to enable practical implementation of psychologically informed ideas, allowing areas to be tested in practice, and solutions to problems generated during implementation. This caseload may be as part of a split role within offender management or stand-alone. This requirement may be reviewed/ removed. Contribute to developing psychologically informed regime within APs in the locality. Consultancy to local partnership agencies and mental health resources regarding the role of the Probation Service, Personality Disorder Pathway and risk management tools and processes. Advise on Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements, if necessary, seeking the advice of the MAPPA Coordinator. Develop existing pathways and networks in order to support the referral process and address any issues. This includes supporting transitions between OPD OMIC, APs and Community services. Ensure NHS OPD colleagues are kept up to date on cultural and practical Probation Policy changes. Ensure the project adheres to the timetable set by HMPPS/NHS England and report any barriers or difficulties to PS line management and the OPD Pathway Clinical Lead. Attend relevant events relating to learning and development within the Personality Disorder Pathway and take responsibility for own learning. Maintenance and dissemination of Personality Disorder Pathway related resources including briefings, presentations, brochures, and newsletters. Other. Any other tasks as requested. Carry out all duties in accordance with PS policies and procedures. Take responsibility for own Health and Safety. Support partner agencies in complying and reporting, To assess and manage the risk posed by people on probation to protect victims of crime and the general the public by:
* Providing information and advice to criminal courts, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
* Supervise people on probation subject to community orders and licences and during custodial sentences.
* Contribute to the management of risk.
* 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 undertake. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. Responsibilities, Activities & Duties Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.
* To provide professional advice and assessment, including written reports to courts, the Parole Board, other criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.
* To 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.
* To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
* To 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 reoffending.
* To attend professional meetings and represent the PS at appropriate partnership forums e.g. MAPPA, MARAC.
* To work collaboratively with colleagues, maintain effective team relationships and provide professional guidance and support to Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and other staff as appropriate.
* To provide cover within your team and to other teams as required.
* To undertake prison, home or other alternate location visits 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., The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks. Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS' Flexible Working policy., The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Interview dates Expected to take place 29 October to 1 November 2024 Closing Date
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh. Behaviours
* Making Effective Decisions
* Changing and Improving
* Working Together
* Delivering at Pace
* Communicating and Influencing
Essential Experience
* Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.
* Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
* An understanding and appreciation of equality.
* Experience of working with individuals and groups in order to motivate and change offending behaviour.
* Experience of working with people who have committed offences.
Technical requirements You must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer. In addition, successful candidates must hold the following:
* PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or
* Diploma in Probation Studies; or 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.
* A working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
* Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools., Qualified Probation Officer
Languages Fluent written and spoken English, Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit Changing and Improving - 250 word limit Working Together - 250 word limit Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit Experience How does your experience illustrate your suitability for working in the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway and what qualities will you bring to the role? - 250 word limit Technical Skills Qualified Probation Officer - 250 word limit
The MoJ offers a range of benefits: Annual Leave Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis Pension The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit for further information. Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme. Training The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities. Networks The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Eligibility All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post Support
* A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
* Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
* For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at
* Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
* Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
* To Shared Service Connected Ltd (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
* To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
* To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team., Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Changing and Improving Working Together Delivering at Pace Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance. A Great Place to Work for Veterans The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces. For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : Redeployment Interview Scheme Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.