National Senior Probation Officer Returner Scheme
Offer only open to former, qualified senior probation officers who have left the Civil Service within the last five years.
If you are a former qualified senior probation officer who left the Civil Service less than 5 years ago, and have completed your probationary period and training, we would like you to consider returning to the Probation Service and joining your former colleagues to keep the public safe and rehabilitate people on probation.
We can offer you a fast-track return to the service with no need to repeat any entry level training or assessment process. Should you meet the eligibility criteria for this post you can be allocated to an available position straight away.
If you have left the service more than 5 years ago, you can see all external campaigns that are currently open here: Probation Justice Jobs
If you are not yet ready to re-join at this time, you can still be part of our Probation Alumni Network to be kept up to date on the latest developments for probation returners. If you have not already, visit our alumni network to find out more and to register.
Eligibility:
This offer is open to all qualified senior probation officers who have left the Civil Service:
Through resignation or retirement in the last 5 years and who, before leaving, had successfully completed their probationary period.
Open to former qualified senior probation officers who are currently working within the MOJ or other government departments.
Options for working arrangements and contract:
During the application process, you'll need to choose a probation region. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, we'll subsequently get in touch with you to talk about your designated work base.
The following options are available:
Full or part-time either permanent or temporary contract –temporary contracts are available for three, six or nine months.
Flexible contractual terms.
For temporary contract appointments:
We are offering temporary contracts on a three, six- or nine-month basis with the opportunity to extend the contract up to a maximum of two years, should you wish to do so and if there is a continuing requirement for your services.
As a temporary member of staff, you will receive the full range of Civil Service benefits other than permanent tenure. You will be automatically enrolled for pension although you may opt out. You will be entitled to 25 days' leave per annum, pro rata.
Pre-employment checks:
You will be subject to pre-employment checks including Occupational Health Review and you will undergo and clear pre-employment checks which will include Enhanced Level 2.
Once in your role, you will require access to the multi-agency ViSOR database, and you will therefore be required to undertake Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2. This is routine and will apply to anyone who has been absent from the service for more than 28 days.
Training:
At the point of return, an individualised training needs analysis will be completed to identify training that has been completed and to schedule any relevant training that is required.
Full time salary:
£38,857 + London allowance of £4,126 for London, Staines, and Watford base location where applicable.
Higher starting salaries (in line with current policy) can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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
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