12081 - Approved Premises Residential Worker (Annualised Hours Working Pattern) in Reading

Approved Premises – Residential Worker

This position is based at St Leonards Approved Premises in Reading and is not suitable for hybrid working. These vacancies are for Residential Workers with an annualised hours working pattern, offering the opportunity to work flexibly for either 625 or 1 250 hours per year – the equivalent of one or two 12-hour shifts each week. Shifts are a mix of standard and unsocial hours over a 24‑hour period, 7 days a week, with unsocial hours attracting additional allowances. Applicants must have a good range of availability to cover day and night shifts 24/7. Availability will be discussed at the provisional offer stage.

About Approved Premises

Approved Premises are primarily for offenders who have been released on licence and who require a high level of supervision.

About the role

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 licence conditions and keeping 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 primarily 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 the advertised annual salary.

Shift Hours Premiums

• Monday to Friday: 7 pm to 8 am – premium payment of 30%
• Weekend: 8 am Saturday to 8 am Monday – premium payment of 50%
• Public/Bank Holidays: 8 am to 8 am – premium payment of 50%; time off in lieu for actual hours worked is applicable

About you

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.

About us

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.