Probation Service Officer - Merseyside Court

Overview

Helping to keep the public safe. Giving people the chance to turn their lives around. Building a rewarding professional career. There are many reasons to join the Probation Service. We’re looking for empathetic, patient, and organised people to join us in this varied role, which offers the chance to make a difference, gain new skills and build a rewarding career within the Probation Service.

Salary – £28,064 for full‑time (pro‑rata for part‐time). Pay progresses annually through the Competency Based Framework (CBF) and in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

As a Probation Service Officer you will:

• manages a caseload of offenders before and after sentence;
• assesses and manages risk, provides information to courts, and works closely with agencies across the justice system;
• offers practical advice on housing, employment and other supports, and listens and empathises with offenders;
• produces clear, accurate reports and meets tight deadlines.

You do not need a degree for this role. We are more interested in your personal qualities:

• Empathetic, patient and resilient;
• Experience of working with people who have social or personal difficulties;
• Good writing skills and the ability to produce clear and accurate reports to tight deadlines.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. Skilled Worker visa changes effective 22 July 2025 may affect eligibility. HMPPS will not sponsor a Skilled Worker visa for this role unless the applicant held such a visa prior to the changes.

Regular full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing arrangements are considered in accordance with the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service. Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts is pro‑rata.

Pension – The service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

• Family friendly policies such as reduced hours or job sharing;
• Access to voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts;
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave;
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to making adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to appointment.

• UK nationals
• Republic of Ireland nationals
• Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
• EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein nationals and settled or pre‑settled family members
• Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

The post is advertised without VISOR vetting; vetting will be completed post‑offer.

Some roles require completion of an apprenticeship as part of learning and development. You will be advised if required.

Hybrid Working – The MoJ offers informal hybrid working where business need allows. Arrangements will be discussed and reviewed with the successful candidate.