At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate community payback placements and build relationships with local organisations.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Part-time role with weekend duties and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Help people on probation while enhancing your skills and making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK Manual Driving Licence and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28064 - 33549 £ per year.
Salary: £28,064 - £33,549, Pro-Rata
Working Pattern: Part Time
Location: Preston
Closing Date: 30-Sep-2026
Business Unit: Community Payback
Post Type: Permanent
Civil Service Grade: Other
Number of jobs available: 1
Reserve List: 12 Months
Job ID: 22458
Job description
Please note: Candidates must hold a full UK Manual Driving Licence when applying for this role, this is a mandatory technical requirement in order to carry out this role. We cannot accept candidates who hold an automatic Driving Licence only.
Diadem House in Preston will be the base but there will be an expectation of cover across Lancashire as this is a peripatetic role. A minimum of 60% of the working week will be in an office, however, may be more dependent on operational requirements. This is a Part-Time role over 4 days per week (days to be discussed in interview) and there is a requirement of regular weekend duty cover on a rota basis for which toil/flexi is provided in addition to enhanced weekend pay.
The post holder will support the CP Manager to ensure that all Community Payback placements meet the policy objectives of the organisation and comply with relevant legislation. It's all about supporting People on Probation on their journey and making your community a better place.
If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £28,064, Pro-Rata.
Community Payback Placement Coordinators will be expected to work weekends when needed. This may be to cover for CP supervisors, or to visit CP project sites – such as schools which aren’t accessible on weekdays – to complete project risk assessments or meet beneficiaries, for example. You will be paid a higher rate for any weekend days you do work.
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. Probation Service also increase their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will also apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable.
Overview of the job
This is a high-profile role within PS responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with a range of current and future partner organisations, customers and stakeholders. This will involve working with a range of voluntary and statutory organisations.
The post holder will ensure that sufficient work placement that meet the quality standards set out in the Community Payback Guidance are available so that the sentence of the Court can be carried out effectively.
Post holders may be required to undertake weekend working as part of their normal pattern of working.
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.
About us:
The work is varied, challenging and meaningful and comes with job security, great benefits and career progression opportunities - not to mention the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives and our communities.
About the role
As a Community Payback placement coordinator, you’ll be responsible for establishing and maintaining working relationships with a range of stakeholders – including local authorities and charities – to make sure there are sufficient numbers of Community Payback work placements. This will include exploring opportunities for people to access on-the-job training and education to develop their skills and increase their chances of employment while they complete their unpaid work hours.
Working pattern
As a Community Payback placement coordinator you will:
- be expected to work weekends when needed to cover for Community Payback supervisors or to visit project sites – such as schools which are not accessible on weekdays
- get paid a higher rate for any weekend days you do work
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
- Annual Leave: 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.
- Networks: The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support.
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
22458 - Peripatetic Community Payback Placement Co-Ordinator - Preston employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 22458 - Peripatetic Community Payback Placement Co-Ordinator - Preston
✨Connect with Your Uni’s Career Service
Your university’s career service is your best mate when it comes to finding a placement in the public sector. They usually have insights into upcoming opportunities and can connect you with employers who specifically look for fresh talent from your uni. Don't miss out on info sessions or workshops they might organise!
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
Public sector jobs often value community-minded individuals, so why not jump in with local initiatives? Volunteering in community projects can give you a foot in the door and help you build a network that’s crucial when looking for placements with organisations like local councils or NGOs.
✨Follow Relevant Government Social Media Channels
Stay in the loop by following the social media accounts of government departments and local councils. They often post about placement opportunities, events, and deadlines. Keeping an eye on these channels can give you that inside edge, and make sure you're not missing any chances!
✨Tailor Your Approach to Specific Roles
When you find a placement opportunity with a specific organisation like Ministry of Justice, take the time to align your skills and experiences with their values and mission. Public sector roles often have a strong focus on community service and leadership, so highlight any relevant experiences when you apply through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace 22458 - Peripatetic Community Payback Placement Co-Ordinator - Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Public Service:When applying for a role in the government public sector, it’s vital to showcase your genuine interest in making a difference. Use your cover letter to highlight any volunteer work, projects, or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to serving the community. This passion is often a deciding factor for public sector roles!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Be sure to include any skills or experiences relevant to government work in your CV. This could be anything from strong communication skills to research abilities, particularly if you've done any projects related to public policy or social issues. Tailor your CV to reflect these and back them up with concrete examples from your studies or previous work.
Emphasise Your Learning Agility:Since this is a placement, it’s important to convey your eagerness to learn and grow. In your application, mention specific instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new environments. Public sector work can be dynamic, and showcasing your adaptability can really make you stand out!
Check Out Your Digital Presence:While most people think about their CV and cover letter, don’t forget your online presence! If you've written about public affairs or engaged in discussions on social media, mention it in your application. This can reinforce your passion for the sector and give the hiring team at Ministry of Justice a sense of your engagement with current issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand Current Policies
Being in the government and public sector means you should be up-to-date on current policies, initiatives, and issues relevant to Ministry of Justice. Familiarise yourself with local or national government projects—this knowledge will show you’re engaged and serious about the role.
✨Highlight Your Service Mindset
In the public sector, it’s all about serving the community. During your interview, focus on past experiences where you've demonstrated a commitment to public service, teamwork, and ethics. Even if your background is different, think about how your skills or volunteer work align with the values of Ministry of Justice.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural interview questions that ask how you've handled situations in the past, particularly related to teamwork and problem-solving. Brush up on the STAR method to structure your responses—this will help you shine in your answers and relate them back to the skills that are crucial in the public sector.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a placement candidate, they want to see your eagerness to learn and adapt. Don’t be afraid to express what you're hoping to gain from the experience at Ministry of Justice. Talk about your academic achievements and how they can translate into real-world applications during your time with them.
