Probation services officers

Overview

This role is based in the Approved Premises at Dickson House and is not suitable for hybrid working. PIPEs are specifically designed environments where staff members have additional training to develop an increased psychological understanding of their work. This understanding enables staff to further develop a safe and supportive environment which facilitates an offender’s pathway either pre‑treatment, through treatment, post‑treatment, or on transition into the community.

The service is aimed at supporting offenders to progress through the system in a planned and pathway based approach.

• Undertake the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports.
• Provide case management support to a full range of people on probation, utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
• Assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system.
• Support offenders in practical matters such as housing and employment, listening and empathising with their challenges.
• Set up and maintain accurate, clear and timely reports that meet tight deadlines.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A skilled worker visa prior to 22 July 2025 is required for consideration.

• Demonstrated empathy, patience, resilience and good written communication skills.
• Experience working with people who have social or personal difficulties.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise work in a fast‑moving environment.
• Experience of working on a caseload of offenders or in a community‑based setting is desirable.

The post requires regular hours Monday to Friday with the possibility of weekend coverage. The normal contract is 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks. The role is full‑time; part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing arrangements are considered in line with the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years, plus public holidays.
• National Probation Service pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Training and development opportunities through the Ministry of Justice.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
• Paid family leave: paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

The Ministry of Justice is a disability‑confident employer and commits to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up the post.

Applicants will complete a short application form, answer Civil Service Behaviour questions and sit the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT). Successful candidates progress to interview and, if offered, an appointment.