Probation Service Officer

Overview

Approved Premises (AP) provide community-based supervision for high-risk offenders released from prison, operating 24 hours a day with curfew enforcement and monitoring requirements. Probation Services Officers lead key interventions and rehabilitative activities with resident groups, working regular hours Monday to Friday and covering weekends as required. The role involves the full range of work with people on probation before and after sentence, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports.

Case management support is provided to a full range of people on probation using service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgment.

For information on the summary, responsibilities, duties and Civil Service Success Profile Criteria used in assessments, please refer to the full Job Description Attachment.

Right to work in the UK You must have the right to work in the UK.

• 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 using service procedures and practice directions.
• Manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system.
• Support offenders with practical guidance on housing and employment, as well as listening and empathetic support.
• Communicate and coordinate with partner agencies to facilitate successful community re-entry and compliance with supervision requirements.

The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow. This role is based in a MoJ office location and may include work from home subject to regular review and pre-employment checks. Standard full-time hours are 37 hours per week (unpaid breaks). Some roles may require changes to terms and conditions in line with Civil Service reforms. Part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns are welcomed where they meet the needs of the role and business.

New entrants join at the entry point salary for the advertised band. Existing Civil Servants are paid according to transfer/promotion rules. Details will be provided at offer.

• No degree required; emphasis on personal qualities and relevant experience, especially with people facing social or personal difficulties.
• Good writing skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate reports to tight deadlines.
• Experience assessing and managing risks and communicating with courts and agencies.
• Empathetic, patient and resilient approach to work.

Applicants complete a short application form and respond to Civil Service Behaviours and Experience-based questions. A Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT) is required, with practice tests available. Details on reasonable adjustments are provided in the application process. If successful in CSJT and application sift, you may be invited to interview. The process may assess candidates against lead behaviours in high-volume recruitment scenarios.

Addresses listed are examples of potential base locations; vacancies will be offered in merit order and a 60-minute commute aim will be considered. Reserve lists may apply for multiple locations for up to 12 months.

The MoJ offers a range of benefits including annual leave (25 days increasing to 30 after five years plus public holidays), access to flexible benefits, and pension options via the Local Government Pension Scheme. The Civil Service code outlines expected behaviours and merit-based recruitment. MoJ supports reasonable adjustments to recruitment and employment processes and is committed to equal opportunities for disabled applicants.

Redeployment opportunities are available for staff at risk of redundancy.

Visas:
Changes to Skilled Worker visa eligibility apply from 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to that date, eligibility will be assessed under transitional provisions. If you have not held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025, consider options for maintaining right to work in the UK.

Service nature:
This role involves working with high-risk offenders in the community to protect the public and support rehabilitation.