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General Information

Salary
£44,100 - £46,000
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
Internal
Location
Manchester
Region
North West
Closing Date
06-Feb-2026
Business Unit
Security Group
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
13254

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

This is a specialist role within the Joint Extremism Unit (JExU) in SOCT. The CT Specialist Probation Practitioner is part of the regional Probation Counter Terrorism team. CT Specialist Probation Practitioners support work with convicted terrorists and those deemed a terrorist risk across all PS Regions, the National Security Division and Offender Management Units in custody.

They provide guidance and support on all aspects of CT offender management, deliver subject specific training, and liaise with CT specialists from other agencies. CT Specialist Probation Practitioners also conduct specialist CT assessments and interventions directly with offenders in scope and provide a supervisory role to the delivery of internal and external interventions.

The CT Specialist Probation Practitioner reports to the Probation Counter Terrorism Lead.

Summary

The job holder will be expected to be a subject matter expert, providing counter terrorism support, guidance and training to probation practitioners and other agency staff managing TACT/TACT Connected and Terrorist Risk cases. This work will take place in custody and community settings, as well as in multi-agency environments.

The post holder will need to undertake additional specialist training to undertake certain roles, and be security cleared to SC level.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

•             Specialist support, advice and guidance to the PS regions including Offender Management and Court Staff, OMiC custody teams and the National Security Division, prison and external partner staff on all aspects of TACT/TACT connected and Terrorist risk offender management. Support the completion of OASys, sector specific risk assessment, sentence planning, session and intervention planning and parole. Support and develop the professional expertise of practitioners, to develop their practice, confidence and knowledge.

•             Quality assurance and the development of professional expertise in self and others. Assist with the delivery of Quality Assurance exercises and assist probation practitioners to incorporate any learning into future practice.

•             Peer supervise and also undertake and deliver CT specific assessments and accredited interventions including Extremism Risk Guidance 22+, Developing Dialogues and Heathy Identity Intervention and complete relevant paperwork to timescales. Peer review of Parole Reports and OASys.

•             Plan, chair and review tasking with external providers for the Desistance and Disengagement Programme.

•             Attend and contribute to internal and external multi-agency meetings including MAPPA, prison specific meetings, Counter Terrorism Police meetings, Adult and Child Safeguarding and those in hospital and education settings, acting as a subject matter expert in the management of TACT/TACT connected and Terrorist Risk cases in these settings.

•             The effective management of sensitive information. Ensure sensitive information is shared appropriately and incorporated into assessments, interventions relevant to the management of the case. Seek such information from partners, and ensure it is handled according to agency guidelines and handling instructions by relevant recipients. Ensure own record keeping and that of others, across all databases, meets agency standards including in the recording of sensitive information. Work alongside partners to deliver intelligence requirements.

•             Support to law enforcement agencies in their interface with probation liaison with external providers offering rehabilitative and monitoring interventions. Supporting partners to understand the roles and capabilities of probation and to utilise opportunities that the service can offer such as interventions, monitoring and enforcement. Act as a point of contact for partners requiring day to day information about Probation cases, in line with data protection policies.

•             Deliver CT-specific training and briefings within and outside the sector. Provide regular training, briefings and ongoing support to probation practitioners in all settings, to ensure the requirements of the statutory Prevent duty are met, and practitioners are equipped to manage TACT/TACT connected and Terrorist risk. Deliver briefing and training to partner agencies regarding the work of probation in this context. Organise, chair and deliver locally agreed professional development forums for relevant staff. Assist in the development of training packages to ensure material is up to date and relevant. Provide guidance to staff working with TACT/TACT connected and Terrorist risk to manage possible risk of conditioning.

•             Policy and communications. Support national teams to develop communication and policy requirements.

•             Representation. Represent PCTL and JEXU at all levels as required.

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.

Behaviours

•             Working Together

•             Developing Self and Others

•             Managing a Quality Service

•             Making Effective Decisions

•             Communicating and Influencing

Ability

•             An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Experience    

Essential

•             Experience of working with a wide variety of people who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties.

•             Experience of working with diverse communities including promoting equality and valuing diversity.

•             Experience of working with individuals and groups in order to motivate and change offending behaviour.

•             Minimum of 3 years direct experience of working with people who have committed offences and are viewed to pose a high or very high risk of serious harm to others.

•             Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management) as a Probation Officer.

•             Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System and in a multi-disciplinary setting.

•             Experience of risk management and assessment, understanding of multi-agency risk assessment and management procedures.

•             Evidence of ability to evaluate own and others’ practice.

•             Experience of working under pressure and fulfilling demanding deadlines.

•             Experience of working flexibly as a member of a team to achieve performance targets.

•             Able to demonstrate well developed IT skills, report writing and communication skills.

Desirable

•             Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and effecting improvements in quality and efficiency.

•             Experience of proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness.

Technical

•             Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.

•             Or a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007. The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:

  • Diploma in Probation Studies
  • Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
  • CQSW (with Probation Option)

•             Successful candidates will be required to complete the following professional training :

Essential

  • Pass accredited ERG 22+ and HII training
  • Level 3 Education and Training
  • Level 3 Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
  • HII Supervisor training as required

Desirable

  • Level 7 Advanced Certificate in Counter Terrorism
  • Level 3 Education and Training and Level 3 Assessing qualifications
Additional Information

A technical requirement of the CTSPP role is the delivery of the Healthy Identity Intervention. The interview process will assess your potential to deliver accredited interventions via a 5-minute facilitation exercise. Further guidance on the exercise will be provided upon invite to interview. 

**NPPV Level 3 is a requirement for this role.**

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made. 

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis

Pension

The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).  Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information.

Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.  

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information
MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 13254

Candidates can contact Neil Thomson via email: Neil.Thomson@justice.gov.uk for further information / discussion of role in advance of applying.

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Communicating and Influencing
Developing Self and Others
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Statement of Suitability
Evidence of Experience
Statement of Suitability
Technical
Technical Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
1. Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. • Or a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007. The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:
➢ Diploma in Probation Studies
➢ Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
➢ CQSW (with Probation Option)

2. 3 Years experience working in HMPPS post obtainment of Probation Qualification.
3. Ideally holds a full UK Driving Licence
Specific qualification requirements
Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. • Or a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007. The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:
➢ Diploma in Probation Studies
➢ Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) ➢ CQSW (with Probation Option)

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Developing Self and Others
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Other 1
Other - Assessment Title 1
Facilitation Exercise (guidance outlined within the additional information in the advert.)
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard
Security Clearance (SC)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.