Qualified Probation Officer - Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

About the Role

This position is based across several locations in Cornwall including St Austell, Camborne, and Truro. The Probation Officer will undertake comprehensive offender management duties involving supervision, assessment, sentence implementation, and report production, adhering to established procedures and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and manage risks posed by individuals on probation to protect victims and the public.
• Provide professional advice, assessments, and written reports to criminal courts, the Parole Board, and other justice and partner agencies.
• Supervise individuals under community orders, licences, and custodial sentences at various risk levels including high and very high.
• Maintain and update computerized records and documentation promptly.
• Ensure timely referrals and maintain effective cooperation with offender management teams, courts, victim units, interventions, Approved Premises, prisons, and external partners to mitigate risk and reduce reoffending.
• Attend professional meetings and represent the Probation Service at partnership forums such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Collaborate with colleagues, support and guide Probation Services Officers and other staff when necessary.
• Provide cover for team members and other teams as needed and conduct visits to prisons, homes, or other locations.
• Deliver and co-lead accredited intervention programs consistent with the role grade.
• Conduct mandatory alcohol and drug testing and comply with medication procedures.
• Fulfill safeguarding duties for children as per statutory and agency policies.
• Model and encourage pro-social behaviours while challenging anti-social attitudes and conduct.
• Comply with all policies regarding the confidentiality and sensitive nature of information handled.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must hold a recognised Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer.
• Essential qualifications include one of the following:
  • PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma plus Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or
  • Diploma in Probation Studies, or
  • Diploma in Social Work (Probation option), or
  • CQSW (Probation option).
• Understanding of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service operations.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, National Standards, Evidence Based Practice, and risk/needs assessment tools.

Behaviours & Additional Benefits

• Assessment based on competencies including Communication and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Effective Decision Making, and Teamwork.
• Access to comprehensive learning and development opportunities.
• Supportive work environment offering flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Inclusive culture promoting diversity and equality.
• Employment benefits include a Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and season ticket advances.

Security & Eligibility

• Candidates must successfully complete criminal record and baseline personnel security checks.
• The position is open to UK nationals and eligible nationals from Ireland, Commonwealth countries with UK work rights, EU/EEA countries with settled or pre-settled status, and other specific eligibility groups as outlined by government regulations.

Additional Information

The role requires fluency in English or Welsh (where specified) for all spoken communication tasks. The job holder must demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion and adhere strictly to confidentiality policies. Reasonable adjustments and additional responsibilities may be assigned as per business needs. The Civil Service recruitment principles emphasize fair and open competition, diversity, and equal opportunity. Candidates are advised to ensure authenticity in their applications and are cautioned against plagiarism, including inaccurate use of artificial intelligence generated content.

Contact for application inquiries is via the designated recruitment email and telephone provided.