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- Tasks: Prepare and deliver pre-sentence reports while conducting interviews at court.
- Company: Join Red Snapper Recruitment, a leader in offender rehabilitation recruitment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with remote options and competitive pay rates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the justice system while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised probation qualification and experience in report writing.
- Other info: Contract is initially for 3 months with potential for extension; flexible working hours.
Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting for a Probation Officer on behalf of our client, the National Probation Service. We are currently looking for a Probation Officer to join the Oxford & Southern Oxfordshire Magistrates Court team. This role is ideal for experienced Probation Officers with strong report-writing skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy court team. As a Court-Based Probation Officer, you will focus primarily on delivering high-quality pre-sentence reports (PSRs), conducting face-to-face interviews with individuals at court, and working closely with the judiciary and court staff to support sentencing decisions. Key Responsibilities Prepare and deliver one Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) per day, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and professional analysis Conduct face-to-face interviews with individuals at Oxford Magistrates Court 2-3 days per week Work remotely for the remaining 2-3 days, ensuring productivity and effective time management Liaise with the court, legal representatives, and other professionals to support sentencing and risk management Provide risk assessments and sentencing proposals based on evidence, structured assessment, and professional judgement Ensure all work is aligned with NPS standards, public protection principles, and rehabilitation objectives Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of all assessments and recommendations What You\’ll Need A recognised probation qualification (e.g., DipPS, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Experience writing PSRs and working within a criminal justice environment Strong communication, analytical, and report-writing skills The ability to work independently and meet daily reporting deadlines A flexible and professional approach to court-based work Full enhanced DBS (or willingness to undergo one) Contract Details Location: Oxford Magistrates Court, OX1 1RZ Hybrid Working: 2-3 days per week at court; remainder remote Contract: 3 months initially (with possibility of extension) Hours: 37 hours per week Salary: £21.75 per hour PAYE or £28.64 per hour Umbrella Referral Scheme Know someone suitable? Refer them! We offer £75 in retail vouchers of your choice for successful referrals who are not already known to us. Due to high application volumes, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, your application has not been successful. RSR Justice is a market-leading recruitment business, dedicated to providing quality candidates to the offender rehabilitation and supervision sectors. Red Snapper Recruitment is part of the Red Snapper Group, an equal opportunities employer. We act as both an employment agency (permanent) and an employment business (temporary), offering a free and confidential service to candidates
Probation Officer- Court Reports employer: Red Snapper Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Red Snapper Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Probation Officer- Court Reports
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Probation Service's standards and guidelines. Understanding their approach to risk management and rehabilitation will help you align your discussions and demonstrate your commitment to their objectives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former probation officers, especially those who have worked in court settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to scenarios involving report writing and risk assessments. Being able to articulate your thought process and decision-making skills will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and changes within the criminal justice system. Demonstrating your knowledge of recent developments can set you apart as a candidate who is engaged and informed about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Probation Officer- Court Reports
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Probation Officer, especially in relation to preparing Pre-Sentence Reports (PSRs). Familiarise yourself with the expectations outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in writing PSRs and working within a criminal justice environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strong report-writing skills and ability to work independently.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect the key skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Make sure to address how your background aligns with the requirements, such as communication and analytical skills.
Proofread Your Documents: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Snapper Recruitment Limited
✨Showcase Your Report-Writing Skills
Since the role heavily focuses on preparing Pre-Sentence Reports, be ready to discuss your experience in writing reports. Bring examples of your previous work if possible, and highlight how you ensure accuracy and clarity in your reports.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Probation Officer, you'll need to conduct face-to-face interviews and liaise with various professionals. Prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and how you handle sensitive situations.
✨Understand the Court Environment
Familiarise yourself with the workings of the court system, especially the role of a Probation Officer within it. Be prepared to discuss how you would interact with judiciary members and court staff to support sentencing decisions.
✨Emphasise Your Time Management Abilities
With the expectation to prepare one PSR per day and manage remote work effectively, demonstrate your time management skills. Share strategies you've used in the past to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.
