Probation Service Officer

Role overview

Based at NPS 13-15 Wellington Street, Blackburn, BB1 8AF, this part-time Probation Service Officer role sits within HM Prison and Probation Service. It is a chance to support public protection while helping individuals on probation work towards positive change.

The starting salary for successful candidates is £28,064, adjusted pro-rata for part-time hours. Pay progression may be available each year through the Competency Based Framework, subject to eligibility and performance. New starters are normally placed at the minimum of the pay band, and annual pay band updates may apply in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

What the role involves

You will handle a broad range of probation work with people before and after sentencing. The post includes assessment, sentence implementation, offender management, report writing and case management support, using established service procedures and professional judgement.

This position is similar in scope to a qualified probation officer role, but it focuses on people assessed as medium or lower risk. The work is demanding and meaningful, with responsibility for managing caseloads, assessing and reducing risk, preparing information for courts, and coordinating with partner agencies across the justice system.

Daily duties can also include practical support for people on probation, such as helping them think through housing and employment needs, while also offering attentive, empathetic support.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will be patient, resilient, organised and empathetic. A degree is not required. Experience supporting people facing social or personal difficulties would be helpful, but the most important qualities are sound judgement, strong written communication and the ability to produce clear, accurate reports within tight deadlines.

Recruitment process

To apply, candidates must complete a short application form and provide written responses based on Civil Service behaviours and experience. The selection process also includes the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT), a two-part assessment used to evaluate decision-making against relevant civil service behaviours. A practice test is available before the main test.

If an applicant passes the CSJT and the initial sift, they may be invited to interview. In cases of high application volumes, assessment may focus only on the lead behaviour. Progression through the stages is not guaranteed, but candidates will be kept informed of outcomes as the process continues.

Eligibility and right to work

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and meet Civil Service nationality rules. This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025, HMPPS cannot sponsor new Skilled Worker visa holders for this post unless they held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and fall within the transitional rules. Successful applicants must maintain their legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service.

Security and checks

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check. People working with government assets must also complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Location and working arrangements

The post is based in Blackburn, but successful applicants may be assigned to office, court, team or prison locations anywhere within the Probation Service region depending on business need.

About the Probation Service

The Probation Service works to protect the public by supervising offenders in the community and supporting them to rebuild their lives. You will join a team that values collaboration, shared expertise and ongoing development.

Benefits and support

• Access to learning and development
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• An inclusive working culture that values diversity
• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual leave
• Public holidays
• Season ticket advance

Behaviours assessed

The selection process will assess Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others, and Making Effective Decisions.

Additional information

Artificial intelligence may be used to support applications, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and drawn from the applicant’s own experience. Applications may be withdrawn, and internal candidates may face disciplinary action, if plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified.

Feedback is only provided to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy follows the Success Profiles framework and evaluates behaviours, strengths, ability and experience. The Civil Service Code and recruitment principles apply, and the organisation promotes fair competition, diversity, equal opportunities, the Disability Confident Scheme and a Redeployment Interview Scheme for eligible civil servants.

Nationality requirements

This role is open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, qualifying Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, eligible EU/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and relevant family members with settled or pre-settled status or a valid EUSS application, certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS before 31 December 2020, and Turkish nationals and certain family members who have obtained the right to work in the Civil Service.