At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation, helping them turn their lives around and manage their progress.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and be part of a vital public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with annual pay progression and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with various locations and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 31650 £ per year.
Employer: Ministry of Justice
Location: Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil County
Pay: £26,475 to £31,650 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 26/04/2026
About this job:
- Helping to keep the public safe.
- Giving people the chance to turn their lives around.
- Building a rewarding professional career.
We’re looking for empathetic, patient, and organised people to join us in this varied role, which offers the chance to make a difference, gain new skills and build a rewarding career within the Probation Service. If this sounds like you, apply now.
If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £26,475. The Probation Service offers the opportunity for annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF), which if eligible, will see your pay increase. CBF is designed to enable you to move up through the pay band range as your competence grows. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Probation Service also increase their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will also apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable.
Overview of the job:
The job holder will undertake the full range of work with people on probation 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 people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
Right to work in the UK:
You must have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service. This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025, the Government introduced changes to the eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker visas. As a result: HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot consider sponsoring you to work as a probation services officer unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to the 22 July 2025 changes.
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 at a wide variety of office, court, team, or prison locations within the Probation Service region. Allocations will be made according to business need.
About the Recruitment Process:
To apply to this role you will be required to complete a short application form and detail responses to Civil Service Behaviours and Experience based questions. As part of this application, you will also 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.
16381 - Probation Service Officer - Cwm Taf Morgannwg (Wales) in Merthyr Tydfil employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 16381 - Probation Service Officer - Cwm Taf Morgannwg (Wales) in Merthyr Tydfil
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Probation Service inside out! Research their values and mission, and think about how your skills align with what they’re looking for. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Probation Service Officers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Take advantage of the practice tests for the Civil Service Judgement test. Familiarising yourself with the format will boost your confidence and help you ace it when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace 16381 - Probation Service Officer - Cwm Taf Morgannwg (Wales) in Merthyr Tydfil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about helping others.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We’re looking for empathetic and organised individuals, so showcase those qualities!
Practice Makes Perfect: Before you take the Civil Service Judgement Test, give the practice test a go! It’ll help you get a feel for the format and types of questions, making you more confident when it’s time to sit the real thing.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what a Probation Service Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like assessment, offender management, and report production. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Patience
Since the job requires empathy and patience, think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Be ready to discuss how you can support individuals in turning their lives around, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will likely include behavioural questions based on the Civil Service Success Profile Criteria. Prepare specific examples that showcase your skills and experiences related to teamwork, decision-making, and managing challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Practice the CSJT
Don’t forget about the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT). Take advantage of the practice test offered before the actual one. This will help you get comfortable with the format and types of questions you'll face, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident on the day.