Community Payback - Probation Service Officer - Liverpool North

Overview of the role

Probation services officers help keep the public safe by working with people on probation before and after sentence. The role involves assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and producing reports. Officers provide case management support to a full range of people on probation, utilising service procedures and practice directions that underpin professional judgement.

As a PSO, you will manage a caseload of offenders before and after sentence, assess and manage risks, provide information to courts, work closely with agencies throughout the justice system and support offenders with practical advice about housing and employment, and provide empathy and listening.

Starting salary will be £28,064 and will progress annually through a Competency Based Framework if eligible. New entrants will join at the minimum of the pay band. Pay band ranges are increased annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance.

• No degree required, but must possess personal qualities such as empathy, patience and resilience.
• Experience working with people who have social or personal difficulties.
• Good writing skills; ability to produce clear, accurate reports within tight deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Annual leave 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years.
• Inclusion in the Local Government Pension Scheme via the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training and development opportunities across the Ministry of Justice.
• Hybrid working arrangements where business need allows (subject to regular review).
• Family‑friendly policies, including part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing options.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks. The role may involve part‑time, flexible or job‑sharing arrangements, subject to business needs and the HMPPS Flexible Working policy. Possible locations include office sites, court, team or prison locations within the Probation Service region; offers will be made based on business needs and a preference for a location within 60 minutes of the applicant’s home.

• 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 leave to remain 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