At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation to help them turn their lives around and stay safe.
- Company: Join the National Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Extensive training and development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and good writing skills are essential; no degree required.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 26475 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time
Location: Colwyn Bay (Wales)
Closing Date: 22-Jun-2026
Business Unit: AGY - NOMS Agency
Post Type: Permanent
Number of jobs available: 10
Reserve List: 12 Months
Job ID: 17985
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, Pro‑Rata for Part‑Time roles. 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.
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.
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.
About the role: Probation services officers can help make a real difference to people’s lives. It’s not always easy to help someone turn their life around, but it can be immensely rewarding. We’re looking for empathetic, patient and resilient people to join us as probation services officers. As well as making a difference to others, the role offers plenty of on‑the‑job training and a real chance to build a career in the Probation Service.
As a PSO, you’ll have a similar job to a fully qualified probation officer. The main difference is you’ll work with medium and lower risk people of probation. Day‑to‑day, you’ll manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence. We’ll look to you to assess and manage risks, provide information to courts and work closely with agencies throughout the justice system. You’ll also do everything you can to support offenders.
About you: You don’t need a degree for this role. We’re much more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you’ll be empathetic, patient and resilient. Good writing skills are also essential. You must be able to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.
Additional Information: Where applicants provide multiple location preferences, reserve lists will be managed in accordance with location preference/s, as indicated in your application. We will appoint in merit list order for each location outlined in the vacancy and hold a separate locational reserve list for each of these locations.
Working Arrangements & Further Information: The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home.
Benefits: Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Pension: The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Training: The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Support: A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share. Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
Disability and Veteran Information: As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities.
Civil Service Nationality Rules: This job is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, and nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
Probation Service Officer - Colwyn Bay (Wales) employer: Ministry of Justice
The Probation Service in Colwyn Bay offers a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference in people's lives. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team culture, you'll find numerous opportunities for growth and progression. Join us to be part of a compassionate community dedicated to helping individuals turn their lives around while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Probation Service Officer - Colwyn Bay (Wales)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Probation Service Officers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won’t find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy, patience, and resilience. The interviewers will want to see how you handle real-life situations, so have some examples ready to go.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During your interview, express why you want to work in the Probation Service. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping others turn their lives around.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to your interviewers. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decisions. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Probation Service Officer - Colwyn Bay (Wales)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to helping others.
Show Your Empathy:This role is all about understanding and supporting people. Make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and patience, as these qualities are key for us in the Probation Service.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Good writing skills are essential, so make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon to ensure your message comes across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role 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 tasks like assessment, offender management, and report writing. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since the role requires a lot of interaction with individuals facing personal challenges, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and patience. Think about specific situations where you helped someone turn their life around or supported them through tough times.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice how you would handle various situations involving offenders, such as managing risks or providing support. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Probation Service Officer, you'll need to produce clear and accurate reports. During the interview, focus on your communication skills. Be articulate and concise in your responses, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question. This shows that you’re engaged and willing to communicate effectively.
