At a Glance
- Tasks: Support offenders' transition from custody to community, ensuring their well-being and safety.
- Company: Join the Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, premium pay for unsocial hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: No degree needed; just a passion for helping others and a good availability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, resilience, and basic literacy/numeracy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30602 - 37402 £ per year.
These positions are office based at Landguard Approved Premises in Southampton and are not suitable for home working. There are both full time and part time Residential worker positions, including annualised hours working patterns. In addition, this campaign will be used to create a 12-month merit list, that may be utilised to fulfil future permanent, full-time/part-time and/or annualised hours positions.
As a residential worker in an Approved Premises, you will play a crucial role in supporting the management of offenders in their transition from custody into the community, to achieve successful resettlement. You will assist with the well-being and supervision of Approved Premises residents, helping them to stick to their license conditions and supporting them to keep themselves and others safe. You will carry out inspections, monitor behaviour and positively engage with residents, working closely with colleagues and partner agencies. The role will entail working at one main Approved Premise with the requirement to work across additional sites should the need arise.
Residential Workers are required to work regular unsocial hours which attract premium rates of pay in addition to advertised annual salary:
- Monday to Friday: 7pm to 8am premium payment of 30%
- Public/Bank Holidays: 8am to 8am premium payment of 50%: in addition, time off in lieu for actual hours worked is applicable
You do not need a degree for this role. We are much more interested in your personal qualities. Ideally, with experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties, you will be empathetic, patient, and resilient. A good level of numeracy and literacy is also required as the role involves some report writing.
The Probation Service works with offenders who are pre-release or post-release from prison or serving community sentences. Our role is to support their rehabilitation and protect the public. People come from all walks of life to form one team in the Probation Service. Join us and you will be part of a supportive team that thrives on sharing knowledge and expertise.
These are part time vacancies with the opportunity to work flexibly to an annualised hours contract for either 625 or 1250 hours per year, the equivalent of one or two 12 hour shifts each week. These shifts are a mix of standard and unsocial hours over a 24-hour period, 7 days a week with unsocial hours worked attracting additional allowances. Applicants applying will be expected to have a good range of availability to cover day and night shifts 24/7. Availability will be discussed at provisional offer stage.
You must have the right to work in the UK. In accordance with current immigration rules, 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. 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.
Read more 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 Read more
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Ministry of Justice, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Ministry of Justice. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Ministry of Justice's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Read more
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Ministry of Justice. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Ministry of Justice.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Ministry of Justice.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Read more at Ministry of Justice.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Ministry of Justice that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Read more role.
