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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 well-being 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.

Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. There are many reasons to join the Probation Service. What will yours be?

If you are successful in the recruitment process and join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £23,637. The Probation Service offers the opportunity for annual pay progression. The table below shows the pay increases a Probation Services Officer could receive:

Present day £23,637

1 October 2023 £24,228

1 April 2024 £26,475

Maximum in a further 4 years £31,650

About the role

Probation services officers can help make a real difference to peoples’ lives. It’s not always easy to help someone turn their life around, but it can be immensely rewarding.

We’re looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. As well as making a difference to others, the role offers plenty of on-the-job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service.

As a PSO, you’ll have a similar job to a fully qualified probation officer. The main difference is you’ll work with medium and lower risk clients. That’s not to say it’ll be easy. There’s no doubt this is a challenging role.

Day-to-day, you’ll manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence. We’ll look to you to assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system. You’ll also do everything you can to support offenders. This could involve everything from providing practical advice about housing and employment to simply listening and empathising.

About you

You don’t need a degree for this role. We’re much more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you’ll be empathetic, patient and resilient. Good writing skills are also essential. You must be able to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.

About us

By managing offenders in the community, the Probation Service protects the public from the effect of crime and gives offenders the chance to turn their lives around. Join us and you’ll be part of a supportive team that thrives on sharing knowledge and expertise.

Successful applicants may be based a wide variety of office, court, team or prison locations within the Probation Service region. Allocations will be made according to business need. To find out more about working as a Probation Service Officer please click here (Probation services officer - Ministry of Justice)

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 Of Job Role

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:

• Liaising, providing information and advice to criminal courts, criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies
• Supervise and manage risk of those offenders subject to community sentences, during and after custodial sentences.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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
• To use computer-based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales
• 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.
• To undertake prison, home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with service procedures and policies.
• To undertake work in the court setting, including the completion of appropriate reports on cases and prosecution of breaches.
• To provide cover within teams as required
• To deliver and co-lead accredited programmes commensurate with grade
• To conduct mandatory alcohol and drug tests as required, and to follow prescribed medication procedures
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• To work within the aims and values of the NPS

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.

Application Process

To apply to this role you will be required to complete a short application form and detail responses to two Civil Service Behaviours and one Experience based question.

As part of this application, you will be required to sit the Civil Service Judgement test (CSJT). The CSJT is a two-part test which looks at your ability to make decisions in relation to specific civil service behaviours.

The CSJT is stage one of your application process and you will have the option to complete a practice test immediately before taking the test, to give you an insight of what to expect before you start.

If you are successful in passing this stage, your full application will be sifted once the application deadline has closed. You will then receive further instruction on the progress and outcome of your application.

You can find out more about the CSJT and complete a practice test now here.

If you would like more information relating to reasonable adjustments and the CSJT, please see more details here. You can also watch a short a video here.

If you are successful in passing both the CSJT and application sift process you will be invited to interview.

HMPPS welcome applications from ex members of the armed forces, for further information visit the following link Career Transition Partnership.

Take a look at a short video about the Probation Service Officer Role Here

Civil Service online tests

Guidance for job candidates asked to complete an online test, as part of the recruitment process.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Job contact :

Name :
SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
Email :
[email protected]
Telephone :
0845 241 5358

Recruitment team :

Email :
[email protected]