KSSCRC are a leading provider of rehabilitation services to offenders, who we call service users. We are a top performing CRC with a strong commitment to high levels of performance and quality. We deliver a range of services designed to stop reoffending and prevent the harm caused to communities by crime. We have a strong ethos for service user engagement and work in collaboration with the people and communities we serve.

KSS CRC’s varied range of services are delivered with the service user at the heart of what we do. Our services include working in prisons to prepare people for release, working with people serving sentences in the community, delivering group work programmes, Community Payback and specialist interventions to address domestic abuse behaviour, employment and accommodation needs. We are also commissioned to provide services which help to prevent offending before people enter the criminal justice system.

We are passionate about finding innovative ways to help our service user’s change and offer our practitioners the freedom and flexibility to find the right solution for those they are working with. We are always developing new ways of working including new IT systems which support our staff and service users along the rehabilitation journey.

Working for KSSCRC offers the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, working in a fast paced and creative environment and engaging with our accredited volunteers and mentors. We like to have fun at work and have a real team spirit whist working hard to make a difference.

Join our team and work for a top performing and innovative organisation, where you will have high levels of autonomy and responsibility and have the opportunity to work with highly diverse groups of colleagues and service users.

Key Responsibilities

The Probation Service Officer role offers the opportunity to work with a varied group of service users to develop a detailed understanding of their offending and needs, then deliver on plans to improve their circumstances and behaviour. You will have the opportunity to put your curiosity, empathy, organisational and planning skills and enthusiasm to use in changing people’s lives for the better.

An driven, innovative and collaborative approach to work is essential in this role. A commitment to providing a high quality of service alongside the ability to work in a performance driven environment are also important attributes we look for in our practitioners. The role is highly varied and often exciting whilst also requiring patience and dedication to achieve long term goals. The role also provides the opportunity to work in a multi-agency context to ensure that our service users and potential victims are safeguarded and the services they need are obtained from a range of partners.

Practitioners in our Rehabilitation teams work with service users serving community sentences and will gain experience in working with people with substance use, domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, housing and financial problems. Opportunities to specialise in areas such as working with female service users are also available. You will manage the sentence within our practice guidelines and legal requirements and innovate to find the right route out of offending for each of your service users. You will work as part of a team of practitioners alongside other agencies, volunteers and mentors to engage service users in making changes to their lives.

As a Probation Service Officer you will take part in training and development to continuously improve your own skills and to develop the services we provide. You will be supported by our collaborative and dynamic management teams to fulfil your potential and achieve the best every day.

Skills and Experience

It takes all sorts to make up our teams and we welcome applications from those starting their career, those working in similar fields or those seeking a new professional challenge.

Essential to the role are:

* An empathetic and caring approach with a real belief that people can change

* Being a strong advocate for the needs of our service users

* Resilience and determination

* A proactive approach to solving both the problems faced by service users and business problems within your team

* Strong team working skills which you will use within KSS CRC and with our partners

* An ability to motivate others to identify solutions

* Adaptability and flexibility to meet the needs of our service users

* Be able to travel in the local area as required

Additional Information

Contract: 9 month, fixed term contract

Hours: This role currently requires you to work 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday inclduing up to two evenings each week. Applications for part time working are welcome. We are open to flexible working arrangements to meet the demands of the role and your personal life.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave + 2 service days + bank holidays, Pension, Competitive Salary, optional Health Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme including access to 24 hour counselling service, Cycle to Work Scheme and membership of the Probation Institute