We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Community Engagement Officer
The East Midlands region are looking for a self-motivated individual with excellent community links to join their Community Integration team to help us:
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Promote the work of the Probation Service.
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Contribute to reducing reoffending and risk, changing lives for the better and improving the quality of life for those on Probation
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Develop positive links and maximise the visibility of the Probation Service in communities across the East Midlands.
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Contribute towards the recruitment of a more diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities in which we live and work.
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Engage with local communities to understand the diversity and level of need relating to reducing reoffending.
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Engage and develop relationships with local community providers, potentially supporting them to access Probation and other funding opportunities.
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Build a network of community links/services across a broad range needs, particularly needs relating to protected characteristics.
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Support local Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) to understand and articulate the needs of their local community and work with PDUs to design and commission services for People on Probation.
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Link into the Reducing Reoffending Plan and initiate work and projects towards employing individuals with lived experience.
What will they do:
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Actively promote the Probation Service vision of preventing victims by changing lives, of reducing reoffending and delivering rehabilitation.
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Work with MOJ Press Office and local Probation Delivery Units in relation to promoting good news stories across different media e.g. radio, social media, local press.
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Contact and link in with ethnic minority communities, partnerships, and voluntary sector organisations.
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Organise community training and promotional events.
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Promote opportunities for paid and voluntary work in the Probation Service.
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Attend and co-ordinate input to educational institutions e.g. colleges/universities/schools to promote the work of the Probation Service and its benefits as an employer.
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Liaise with employment providers and careers advisory services.
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Work closely with Community Integration colleagues to develop business cases for innovative partnerships within communities.
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Work alongside the Engaging People on Probation Manager towards creating educational/employment opportunities for people who have lived experience of the Criminal Justice System.
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Work closely with the Equalities Manager to develop culturally diverse educational and enrichment activities for staff across the communities they serve.
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Liaise with colleagues across the PDU to link them into the communities we work with and support development of positive relationships.
Skills Needed
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Enthusiasm and commitment to promoting the work of the Probation Service.
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Relational skills, able to develop positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
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Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice System.
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Knowledge and understanding of the effects of disproportionality, diversity, health and well-being.
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Awareness of how to engage with communities.
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Good organisation skills and attention to detail.
Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
Overview of the job
The job holder will undertake the full range of work with offenders 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 offenders 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 offenders to protect victims of crime and the general public by:
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Liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies
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Supervise and manage risk of those offenders subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
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Work with other agencies and groups to prevent crime and meet the needs of victims and offenders.
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 (i.e. Courts, Approved Premises, programmes, evening reporting etc)
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
Probation Services Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.
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To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with offenders assessed as low or medium risk of harm and to support the Probation Officer grade in high risk cases.
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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
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To use computer based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales
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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.
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To undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
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To undertake work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
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To provide cover within teams as required
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To deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade
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To conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and to follow prescribed medication procedures
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Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
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Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
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To work within the aims and values of NPS and NOMS
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.