Probation Service Officer

Overview of the role

A Probation Services Officer (PSO) is responsible for managing the rehabilitation and supervision of offenders who are on probation, both before and after their sentence. The role involves assessing risk, implementing sentences, producing accurate reports and supporting offenders to make positive changes in their lives.

• Assess and manage the risk of offenders in a caseload, using professional judgement and service procedures.
• Deliver sentence implementation plans, including the selection and allocation of support services.
• Provide case management support to offenders, offering advice on housing, employment and other practical matters.
• Produce written reports that are clear, accurate and meet tight deadlines.
• Work closely with courts, agencies and other partners across the justice system to facilitate offender progress.

• Empathy, patience and resilience, with a genuine interest in helping people turn their lives around.
• Experience working with individuals who have social or personal difficulties (education, employment or health).
• Excellent written communication skills – able to produce concise, accurate reports.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to engage with offenders and professionals.
• Ability to assess and manage risk, and to work effectively under the Competency Based Framework (CBF) for pay progression.

You must have the right to work in the UK and comply with all Civil Service nationality rules. From 22 July 2025 the statutory Skilled Worker visa rules apply – applicants who have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to that date will be considered for sponsorship.

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

The starting salary is £28,064 (pro‑rated for part‑time roles). Pay progression follows the Civil Service Competency Based Framework (CBF), with annual increases aligned to Civil Service pay guidance.