At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation and help them turn their lives around.
- Company: Join the Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,475 with annual pay progression and career growth.
- 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.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with diverse work locations.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 29625 £ per year.
Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. There are many reasons to join the Probation Service. What will yours be? 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 as your competence grows. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Probation Service also increases their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable.
Overview of the job:
- Assessment of on‑probation individuals
- Implementation of sentences
- Offender management
- Production of reports
- Case management support for a full range of people on probation, utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement
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 have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your pre‑employment checks and your eligibility will be assessed in accordance with the immigration rules and transitional provisions in place. If 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.
Civil Service recruitment: nationality rules: This guide is intended to assist departments with managing their responsibilities on nationality rules related to Civil Service recruitment.
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 question. If in the event we receive a high volume of applications, we may only assess candidates against the lead behaviour. There is also no guarantee that you will progress to the next stages of the recruitment process; however, we will keep you informed at each stage.
15147 - Probation Service Officer - Oxford, Bicester employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 15147 - Probation Service Officer - Oxford, Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Probation Service inside out! Research their values, mission, and recent news. This will help you connect your experiences to what they care about during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate empathy, patience, and organisation—key traits for a Probation Service Officer.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace 15147 - Probation Service Officer - Oxford, Bicester
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 motivations for wanting to join the Probation Service.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested.
Show Empathy and Organisation: Since we’re looking for empathetic and organised individuals, make sure to include examples in your application that demonstrate these qualities. Share stories that reflect your ability to connect with others and manage tasks effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and the recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Probation Service Officer. Familiarise yourself with offender management, case management support, and the importance of public safety. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Patience
In this role, empathy and patience are key traits. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Whether it's through volunteer work or previous jobs, having concrete examples will illustrate your suitability for the position.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to face behavioural questions that assess your alignment with the Civil Service Success Profile Criteria. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. Thoughtful questions not only show your interest but also help you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.