Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)
Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)

Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)

Portsmouth Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and assess risks for individuals on probation to ensure public safety.
  • Company: Join the Civil Service, dedicated to equality, inclusion, and community support.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a generous pension, and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills and experience.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Opportunities for learning and development, with potential out-of-hours work.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

To assess and manage the risk (including risk management plans and escalation) posed by people on probation 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 people on probation 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 people on probation.

In line with PS 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

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

To undertake the full range of offender management tasks with people on probation 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 PS 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 PS and HMPPS.

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.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh., We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Delivering at Pace

  • Managing a Quality Service

  • Working Together

  • Communicating and Influencing

  • Developing Self and Others

  • Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

  • 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

  • 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.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience.

https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

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)

  • 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)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and 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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This position is based at NMS Portsmouth Civic Offices PO1 2AL, NPS Portsmouth Probation Office Portsmouth PO1 2BD, + Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

  • Telephone : 0845 241 5358

Recruitment team

  • Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com, Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission s Recruitment Principles. I you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints

Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068) employer: HM Prison & Probation Service

As a Probation Services Officer in Portsmouth, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritizes employee development and work-life balance. With access to comprehensive training programs, flexible working options, and a generous Civil Service pension scheme, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career dedicated to public safety and community support.
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Contact Detail:

HM Prison & Probation Service Recruiting Team

+448452415358

Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities of a Probation Services Officer. Understanding the nuances of risk management plans and how to effectively liaise with criminal justice agencies will give you an edge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any experience you have in offender management or working with vulnerable populations. This can include volunteer work, internships, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your commitment to supporting individuals on probation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on past experiences where you demonstrated skills like 'Delivering at Pace' and 'Working Together'. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former Probation Services Officers if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the selection process, which can be invaluable as you prepare your application and interview strategy.

We think you need these skills to ace Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)

Risk Assessment
Case Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Report Writing
Knowledge of Criminal Justice System
Collaboration with External Agencies
Conflict Resolution
Attention to Detail
Understanding of Equality and Inclusion
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Time Management
Pro-social Modelling
Safeguarding Knowledge
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and duties of a Probation Services Officer. Highlight your relevant experience in risk management, offender supervision, and collaboration with criminal justice agencies.

Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasize your ability to manage risks, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with various agencies.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your commitment to equality and inclusion. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Since the selection process will assess your behaviors, prepare for questions related to delivering at pace, managing quality service, and working together. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison & Probation Service

✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Probation Services Officer. Familiarize yourself with risk management plans, offender management tasks, and the importance of liaising with various agencies. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.

✨Demonstrate Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

During the interview, highlight your understanding of equality and inclusion in the context of probation services. Share examples from your past experiences where you have promoted these values, as they are crucial to the role.

✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that assess your behaviors and strengths, such as 'Delivering at Pace' and 'Working Together'. Prepare specific examples that showcase how you've demonstrated these behaviors in previous roles or situations.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would communicate with offenders, victims, and partner agencies. Use clear and concise language during the interview to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively.

Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)
HM Prison & Probation Service Apply now
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  • Probation Services Officer - Portsmouth (South Central) (Ref: 1068)

    Portsmouth
    Full-Time
    28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.)
    Apply now

    Application deadline: 2026-12-13

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    HM Prison & Probation Service

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