At a Glance
- Tasks: Support offenders on their rehabilitation journey while studying to become a qualified Probation Officer.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible learning placements available for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Transform lives and contribute to community safety while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Level 3 or Level 5 qualification required; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 26475 £ per year.
Please note that this campaign is targeted to external candidates not currently employed by the Ministry of Justice. If you are directly employed by the Probation Service or wider Ministry of Justice, you may be eligible to apply to the PQiP 20 Internal MoJ Campaign.
Train to be a Probation Officer - By investing in your future, you could transform countless lives.
Salary: £26,475 p.a. For London Probation Delivery Units there is an allowance of £4,249 per annum. London allowance is extended to those staff who are contracted to work in workplaces within the M25 boundary.
What the role involves
The role of a probation officer is rewarding but can be challenging. As a probation officer, we support people on their road to rehabilitation, working with offenders in the community and in prisons. You often work with people with complex needs, including those who've committed violent and sexual offences, or struggling with their mental health or substance misuse. You will be working full-time alongside studying and supported every step of the way.
What you'll need
To be eligible to apply you will need to have right to work in the UK. We cannot sponsor Trainee Probation Officers via the Skilled Worker visa route. If you hold limited right to work in the UK, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK.
- Level 3 Qualification: To be eligible for the non-graduate PQiP programme, you need to have a level 3 qualification (or higher) e.g. A Level, Advanced apprenticeship, AS Level, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Level 3 NVQ.
- Level 5 Qualification: To be eligible to apply to the graduate PQiP programme, you must hold a valid Level 5 qualification, or above, such as an honours degree, a foundation degree, a diploma of higher education, a Level 5 vocational qualification or a higher apprenticeship.
Please note: You must be able to provide a certificate for your qualification, this should be an award certificate for a completed qualification or a Level 5 exit award where the full qualification has not been completed.
Please refer to Skills and qualifications you need – Prison and Probation Jobs for minimum eligibility requirements.
Pre-employment checks
If your application is successful, you will need to undergo and clear pre-employment checks, this also applies to existing employees of HMPPS and will include Enhanced Level 2 vetting and DBS. For pre-employment checks, including vetting and health checks, the onus is on candidates to provide correct and up to date documentation promptly when requested during the application process. Candidates who fail to engage with the pre-employment checks process early on, may not clear in time to join on the fixed start date.
What we offer
We will guide you through your studies, and give you the opportunity to make the most of your career as a Probation Officer. You'll receive a competitive salary and benefits package. We offer a generous annual leave allowance of 25 days plus eight public holidays and Local Government Pension Scheme. In addition, we offer opportunities for your onward career progression. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will become a qualified Probation Officer on a starting salary of £35,130 p.a. plus London Weighting Allowance where applicable.
Who we are
As part of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), The Probation Service plays a vital role in the criminal justice system working with over 230,000 offenders, serving community sentences and pre/post-release from custodial sentences. As well as the management of offenders, we're responsible for taking preventative measures that protect the public, support victims and reduce the risk of reoffending. Together with the police, prisons and courts, we help people turn their lives around and help our communities feel safer.
To find out more, visit Overview of the probation officer role – Prison and Probation Jobs.
Additional Information
Disability support: As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to ensuring that everyone can demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities. Offering reasonable adjustment support to candidates when they apply for one of our jobs is just one way we do this.
Online Assessment Centres: Online assessments centres (OAC) are scheduled to take place April/May. You will be required to log in to an online candidate portal, via a platform called Sova, to access your assessment materials and will be required to join a virtual room with your camera on, via Sova, for the duration of your online assessment. There may be an opportunity to undertake the interview in Welsh language, pending the availability of a Welsh-speaking assessor.
This is a full-time (37 hr week) post. There may be some part-time learning placements available in your region for applicants who hold a level 5 qualification and are therefore eligible to be placed onto the graduate PQiP programme, but on a part-time basis. (Learners who hold a Level 3 qualification are not eligible to be placed onto the PQIP learning programme on a part-time basis).
Campaign live date: Monday, 19th January
Closing date: Monday, 16th February at 5:55 pm.
If you require assistance, please call Monday to Friday 8am-6pm or e-mail MoJ-recruitment-vetting. Please quote the job reference.
Trainee Probation Officer in England employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Trainee Probation Officer with His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming lives and enhancing community safety. The role offers a supportive work culture with comprehensive training, competitive salary, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career progression, particularly in the vibrant and diverse environment of London. Join us to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from our commitment to employee growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Probation Officer in England
✨Tap Into Local Support Groups
Get involved with local community support groups or charities related to social work. These places are often hubs for networking and can lead to trainee opportunities at organisations like Ministry of Justice. Plus, volunteering can give you hands-on experience that makes your application pop!
✨Connect with University Career Services
If you’re still studying, use your university's career services to find trainee roles in social work. They often have partnerships with organisations and can help set up interviews at places like Ministry of Justice. Don’t underestimate those dedicated programmes; they’re made for people like us!
✨Attend Social Work Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, conferences, or networking events in the social work field. These can be fantastic for meeting professionals from organisations like Ministry of Justice and getting insights on what they look for in trainees.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Build a portfolio or a blog where you share your thoughts on social work issues. This not only showcases your passion but also makes you more visible to companies like Ministry of Justice looking for trainees who genuinely care about the field. We can all make a difference, so let your enthusiasm shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Probation Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Talk about experiences that sparked your interest in social work, whether that’s volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. We're looking for trainees who genuinely care – that passion is what makes a difference!
Highlight Relevant Experiences:Even if you haven’t worked in social work before, think about transferable skills from other roles or volunteering. Mention things like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving. Include specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and how they relate to the social work field.
Tailor Your CV for Social Work:When it comes to your CV, make sure to include any relevant qualifications or certifications, like first aid or mental health first responder training. Also, focus on any academic achievements related to social work, such as modules you've taken or projects you’ve completed that showcase your skills in the field.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Learning Goals:As a trainee, it’s important to emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow. Be prepared to mention what you hope to gain from the experience at Ministry of Justice. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to develop your skills and make a real impact in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key social work theories and frameworks, especially those relevant to the specific role at Ministry of Justice. Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of models like the ecological systems theory or strengths-based approaches, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy
As a trainee in social work, you'll need to showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare to share examples where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in challenging situations, whether in prior experiences or your studies.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect the interviewers to put you through situational questions that test your problem-solving and crisis management skills. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios you might face as a social worker, focusing on how you would assess and intervene in those situations.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, it’s vital to express your eagerness to learn and grow in your role at Ministry of Justice. Be prepared to discuss what specific skills you hope to develop during the traineeship and how your passion for social work drives your career aspirations.
