Probation Services Officer - Derby City (Ref: 19380)

Role overview

This role is based in Derby at Derby Magistrates, DE1 3JR, and NPS Derwent Court, DE1 2FZ. The available posts sit within both the Sentence Management team and the Courts team.

The Probation Service plays a key public protection role by supervising people in the community and supporting them to make positive changes. This position is suited to people who are compassionate, steady under pressure, well organised, and motivated by work that has a real social impact.

If appointed, the starting salary will be £28,064, adjusted pro-rata for part-time hours. Pay progression is available through a Competency Based Framework, subject to eligibility. New starters normally begin at the bottom of the pay range, and pay bands may also be uplifted annually in line with Civil Service guidance.

What the role involves

You will work with people on probation both before and after sentence. The post covers assessment, implementation of sentences, offender management, and the preparation of written reports. You will also provide case management support, using service procedures and professional judgement to guide your work.

This is a challenging but rewarding role. As a Probation Services Officer, you will manage medium and lower risk individuals, handle a caseload, assess and manage risk, supply information to courts, and work with agencies across the justice system. A practical part of the job is helping people address issues such as housing and employment, while also offering support, encouragement, and active listening.

Working locations

Successful candidates may be placed at a range of office, court, team, or prison sites within the Probation Service region, depending on business need.

Recruitment process

To apply, you must complete a short application form and provide written responses based on Civil Service Behaviours and experience. You will also need to take the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT), which is a two-part assessment focused on decision-making in relation to Civil Service behaviours. A practice test is available before you begin the live assessment.

If you pass the CSJT, your full application will be reviewed after the closing date. Candidates who pass both the test and the sift stage may be invited to interview. Where application numbers are high, assessment may focus only on the lead behaviour. Progression to later stages is not guaranteed, but applicants will be kept informed throughout.

This vacancy uses Success Profiles and may assess behaviours, strengths, ability, and experience. Feedback is only provided to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

Skills and experience needed

You do not need a degree for this post. The team is looking primarily for personal qualities, with a preference for candidates who have experience working with people facing social or personal difficulties. Strong written communication is essential, especially the ability to produce clear, accurate reports to tight deadlines.

You should be empathetic, patient, resilient, and organised. Experience in roles involving people support, case work, or similar public-facing responsibilities would be helpful.

Right to work and immigration

You must have the legal right to work in the UK and meet Civil Service nationality rules. This post is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025, HMPPS cannot sponsor probation services officers unless the applicant held a Skilled Worker visa before that date. If you have held such a visa continuously, your eligibility will be reviewed during pre-employment checks under the relevant immigration rules and transitional arrangements.

If your application is successful, you must maintain the right to live and work in the United Kingdom and the Civil Service.

Security and checks

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

Nationality eligibility

This role is broadly open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, certain EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals and eligible family members under the EU Settlement Scheme, some individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS by 31 December 2020, and Turkish nationals and certain family members who have acquired the right to work in the Civil Service.

About the Probation Service

By supervising offenders in the community, the Probation Service helps protect the public and supports people in rebuilding their lives. The service offers a collaborative environment where colleagues share knowledge and expertise.

Benefits and working environment

Employees receive access to learning and development, a working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to improve work-life balance, an inclusive culture that values diversity, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and season ticket advance.

Additional information

Applicants should be aware that artificial intelligence may be used as a support tool when preparing an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate, and drawn from the applicant’s own experience. Any plagiarism or misrepresentation, including the use of AI-generated content as if it were personal experience, may result in withdrawal of the application or disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Further information about the recruitment process, benefits, allowances, and general queries is available through the Candidate Information Page.