Position Summary:
Co-ordinate and deliver all aspects of probation qualifications including brokering learning opportunities and monitoring the progress of learners based in NPS/HMPPS in England and Wales and in CRCs. Duties will include mentoring, assessment and coaching of learners in these organisations.
Assess VQ candidates in compliance with the requirements of the Awarding Body Design and deliver professional skills workshops
The post holder will be required to undertake quality assurance functions of learner work products and other quality functions dependant on business need. Relevant training will be provided.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in the selection of learners due to undertake probation qualifications
- Use a variety of assessment methods with learners in line with the Awarding Body and sector assessment strategy, including written observations, performance feedback and digital recordings of professional discussions
- Undertake regular developmental sessions with learners to identify ongoing needs and review progress on the qualification
- Liaise with staff at the Higher Education provider to ensure learners’ progress towards achievement of academic awards and verify work based assignments, if required
- Travel regularly across the division/Wales and elsewhere, as required by the role
- Provide PTA cover in the absence of colleagues
- Attend all required training and assessment sessions and achieve the assessor award within 12 months of taking up post
- Maintain probation professional knowledge by attending relevant training events and practical experience, as identified in the appraisal process.
- Maximise the use of IT and technology, including the use of the eportfolio system
- Ensure assessment processes reflect best practice, are fair and consistent and meet the requirements of the Awarding Body
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with learners, colleagues and external agencies including CRCs
- Attend standardisation meetings as required and liaise with Internal and External Quality Assurers to ensure the consistency and quality of assessments
- Provide written reports in respect of learner progress, including in relation to performance management.
- Proactively manage learner attendance at learning events and support managers in taking remedial action to manage sickness absence to achieve qualification completion.
- Identify performance issues and report these to the relevant line manager and to the Divisional Training Manager. Collaborate with the line manager to develop and an action plan to address issues.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, quality assurance and support the development of reflective practice in all aspects of work with learners and colleagues.
- Complete and monitor a learning agreement for each learner in accordance with the Regulatory Framework
- Undertake the design, co-ordination and delivery of a range of training and learning opportunities to facilitate the learner’s achievement of probation qualifications.
- Identify individual learning needs, including reasonable adjustments and issues relating to learning style
- As and when required, undertake Internal Quality Assurance processes including chairing standardisation meetings; liaison with National Centre and divisional teams; attend Qualification Assurance Group as divisional representative and prepare for External Quality Assurance visits.
Required Education & Experience:
- Experience of probation practice and knowledge of latest policy developments
- Strong organisational skills, planning and attention to detail
- Probation Officer Qualification
- Probation officer work with offenders
- Excellent communication skills
- Recognised Probation Officer Qualification
- Knowledge of probation qualifications