At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation in their rehabilitation journey and manage their transition into the community.
- Company: Join the Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and offender rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,475 with annual pay progression and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding professional career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and strong organisational skills are essential for this role.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with diverse locations across the region.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 26400 £ per year.
Approved Premises are community-based residential units, primarily for those who have been released on licence and who require a high level of supervision to manage the risk of harm they present to the public, victims, etc. Approved Premises play a key role in supporting the management of People on Probation in their transition from custody into the community.
As part of your role as a Probation Service Officer, you will carry out keywork with the residents and engage with them in Rehabilitative Activities to assist their rehabilitation in the community. There is an expectation duties will be carried out between Monday - Friday (09:00 – 17:00, 37 hours per week) with occasional weekend working, which will be discussed with the line manager in advance. Due to the nature of the work, remote or home working cannot be offered.
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.
Salary and progression
If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £26,475 (Pro-rata for Part-time role). 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.
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.
Additional information
For further information on the summary, responsibilities, activities, duties of the role and the Civil Service Success Profile Criteria which will be used in the assessment process, please refer to the full Job Description Attachment.
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.
If you apply to be a probation services officer and you have not held a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22 July 2025, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes.
If your application is successful, you will need to ensure that you have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom. HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service.
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.
14686 - Probation Service Officer - London Approved Premises employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 14686 - Probation Service Officer - London Approved Premises
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Probation Service Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider info about the role and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to rehabilitation and offender management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you showcase your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your empathy and organisational skills. This will resonate with the values of the Probation Service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace 14686 - Probation Service Officer - London Approved Premises
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Probation Service Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to supporting residents in their rehabilitation journey.
Showcase Your Empathy: In your written application, emphasise your empathetic nature and ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This is key in helping people turn their lives around, so let us know how you've done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Probation Service Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the job, such as assessment, offender management, and rehabilitative activities. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Patience
Given the nature of the work, it's crucial to highlight your empathetic and patient qualities during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in challenging situations. This will show that you possess the essential traits needed for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Think about potential situations you might face as a Probation Service Officer and how you would handle them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the challenges faced by the Probation Service. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your career goals.