Company: Ministry of Justice (HMPPS)
Salary: £26,475 – £31,650
Job Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working
Location: Caernarfon, Wales
Civil Service Grade: Other
Business Unit: AGY – NOMS Agency
Closing Date: 12 August 2025
Job Reference ID: 7973
Reserve List Validity: 12 Months
Join the Probation Service and Make a Lasting Difference
Are you passionate about helping others rebuild their lives while playing a vital role in keeping communities safe? The Probation Service is offering an opportunity to start a rewarding career as a Probation Services Officer (PSO). This role is ideal for empathetic, patient, and resilient individuals ready to support those navigating the criminal justice system.
Why Choose Us?
At the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), we are committed to staff development, inclusive practices, and a mission-driven purpose—to reduce reoffending, protect the public, and support rehabilitation. This role offers:
- Structured on-the-job training
- Annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion
- Entry without a degree requirement
Position
As a Probation Services Officer, you will manage a caseload of individuals assessed as low to medium risk. Working both pre- and post-sentence, you’ll:
- Conduct risk assessments
- Write reports for courts
- Collaborate with partners across the criminal justice system
- Support offenders with practical guidance on housing, employment, and personal development
You’ll often work independently but with the support of experienced colleagues, contributing to effective offender management.
requirements
- Deliver full case management services to people on probation
- Support the Risk Management Plan, escalating concerns as needed
- Engage with courts, interventions teams, prisons, and partner agencies
- Conduct home, court, or prison visits
- Complete reports, referrals, and reviews
- Co-deliver accredited rehabilitation programmes
- Administer alcohol and drug tests where applicable
- Contribute to safeguarding and public protection
- Champion pro-social behaviours, challenging antisocial conduct
- Operate within HMPPS and Probation Service guidelines
What We’re Looking For
We’re more interested in your qualities and life experience than formal qualifications. You should have:
- Experience supporting individuals with social or personal difficulties
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Resilience, emotional intelligence, and empathy
- Ability to produce reports under time pressure
- An understanding of issues such as substance misuse, housing insecurity, and offending behaviour
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding
Qualifications and Admissions Procedure
- Open to UK nationals and other eligible applicants (see full Civil Service Nationality Rules)
- You’ll complete an online application, including responses to Civil Service Behaviours and Experience questions
- Successful candidates will also complete the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT)
- Final stage includes an interview based on behaviours, strengths, and abilities
Assessment Areas Include:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Developing Self and Others
- Working Together
assistance
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years)
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Supportive employee networks and mentoring
- Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Access to training, development, and flexible working policies
- Employee discounts and family-friendly benefits
Working Environment
The MoJ encourages hybrid working (where applicable), with assignments to your nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Satellite Office.
You may be placed in various locations across the North Wales Probation Delivery Unit, including offices, courts, prisons, or team hubs, depending on business need.
Dedicated to Equity and Veterans
As a Disability Confident and Veteran Friendly Employer, we’re committed to giving everyone the opportunity to thrive. We also encourage applications from those eligible under the Redeployment Interview Scheme.
Need Help Applying?
Contact our Recruitment Support Team:
📞 0845 241 5358 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
📧 moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
Apply Here before 12 August 2025 to start your journey.