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- Tasks: Be the friendly face of the Probation Service, greeting visitors and providing essential support.
- Company: Join the Probation Service in Chesterfield, a key player in community rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a solid pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English or relevant experience; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 23583 - 25210 £ per year.
The Probation Service (PS) Directorate within HMPPS is recruiting Receptionists to provide front-of-house and administrative support. Based in Chesterfield, this role is the first point of contact for visitors and people on probation, ensuring professional reception services and supporting wider office functions. Two permanent positions are available.
Key Responsibilities:
- Greet visitors and people on probation professionally; log arrivals/departures; issue passes and fobs.
- Use tact and diplomacy to diffuse potentially violent situations; expand safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- Answer enquiries about probation services and local support (e.g., food banks); refer technical queries to managers.
- Manage building logistics: mail, PPE, stationery, deliveries, meeting room bookings, hot desks, car parking.
- Handle petty cash, travel warrants, and bus fares for people on probation.
- Support building health and safety: act as key holder, test fire/panic alarms, monitor CCTV, assist evacuations, act as Fire Warden/First Aider.
- Log building faults/incidents; elevate maintenance issues; escort contractors/visitors when required.
- Provide confidential administrative support: update files, input data, produce documentation, scan/archive sensitive information.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and in stressful environments.
- Strong customer relations skills.
Desirable:
- Experience in the criminal justice field.
- Prior work in high-pressure environments.
- IT qualifications (ECDL/CLAIT) or equivalent experience.
Qualifications:
- Essential: GCSE A*-C (or equivalent) in Maths and English (and Welsh where applicable), or proven track record in a similar role.
- Desirable: IT qualification equivalent (ECDL/CLAIT).
Hours of Work:
- Standard full-time hours: 37 hours/week.
- Includes unsocial hours with additional payments.
- Required to work two late nights per week (Tuesday and Thursday until 9pm).
Benefits:
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus public holidays.
- Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
- Training: Extensive staff development and training opportunities.
- Networks: Access to employee-run networks (minority ethnic, disability, carers, women, LGBTQ+).
- Hybrid working arrangements possible, subject to business need.
Equal Opportunities: The Ministry of Justice is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds.
Eligibility: All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to appointment.
How to Apply: Click here to Apply via the Civil Service Jobs portal before the closing date.
Application Deadline: 17 December 2025.
Receptionist – Probation Service (PDU Derbyshire) | Chesterfield, East Midlands employer: School Result
Contact Detail:
School Result Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist – Probation Service (PDU Derbyshire) | Chesterfield, East Midlands
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Probation Service and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand what we do and why it matters. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors and people on probation. We recommend rehearsing common interview questions and scenarios to showcase your ability to handle challenging situations with tact and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions count, especially in a front-of-house role. Make sure you look professional and approachable. It shows us that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the Probation Service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows us that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it keeps you on our radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist – Probation Service (PDU Derbyshire) | Chesterfield, East Midlands
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Professional in Your Writing: Since you'll be the first point of contact, it's crucial to reflect professionalism in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to proofread for any typos or grammatical errors.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills: Highlight any previous experience you have in customer-facing roles. We want to see how you've handled challenging situations and provided excellent service, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Mention the key responsibilities from the job description and explain how your skills and experiences align with them. This shows us that you've done your homework!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at School Result
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Receptionist in the Probation Service. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like greeting visitors, managing building logistics, and handling sensitive information. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Receptionist, excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated with customers or diffused challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the pressures of the job and reassure the interviewers of your suitability.
✨Prepare for Situational Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage stressful situations. Think of scenarios where you had to use tact and diplomacy, especially in high-pressure environments. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process during the interview, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Dress Professionally and Be Punctual
First impressions matter! Dress smartly and arrive on time for your interview. This shows respect for the interviewers and reflects the professionalism expected in the role. Being punctual also gives you a moment to relax and gather your thoughts before the interview begins.
