At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation with assessments, reports, and practical advice.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Empower others while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No degree needed; experience with people facing challenges is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28064 - 33549 £ per year.
General Information
- Salary: £28,064 – £33,549 (Pro‑rata for part‑time roles).
- Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time.
- Location: Chorley, Preston, Skelmersdale.
- Vacancy Approach: External.
- Business Unit: AGY - NOMS Agency.
- Post Type: Permanent.
- Civil Service Grade: Other.
- Job ID: 19072.
- Closing Date: 30-Jun-2026.
Overview
You will work with people on probation before and after sentence, undertaking assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. You will provide case management support to a full range of people on probation utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.
Responsibilities
- Assess and manage risks of offenders.
- Provide accurate and timely reports to tight deadlines.
- Support offenders with advice on housing, employment and other practical matters.
- Communicate information to courts and work closely with agencies across the justice system.
- Deliver case management for medium and lower‑risk offenders.
Qualifications and Experience
- No degree required – experience working with people who have social or personal difficulties is preferred.
- Empathetic, patient, and resilient.
- Good writing skills with ability to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.
- Experience of working with individuals who have complex needs is desirable.
- Right to work in the UK and Civil Service, as per national rules.
Working Arrangements
The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. Jobs may be based at office, court, team or prison locations within the Probation Service region, with allocations made according to business need. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns will be considered under the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
- Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays.
- Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
- Training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of Justice.
- Family‑friendly policies including reduced hours and job sharing.
- Paid parental leave, including paternity, adoption, maternity.
- Free annual sight tests.
19072 - Probation Service Officer - Central Lancashire in Preston employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and family-friendly policies, employees in Central Lancashire can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community through their work with individuals on probation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 19072 - Probation Service Officer - Central Lancashire in Preston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ministry of Justice.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ministry of Justice!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ministry of Justice, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ministry of Justice or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace 19072 - Probation Service Officer - Central Lancashire in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ministry of Justice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ministry of Justice! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
