Probation Services Officer - Worle (South West) (Ref: 19586)

Role overview

This post is based at NPS Queensway House, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 7BB. As a Probation Services Officer, you will work with people on probation before and after sentencing, helping to protect the public while supporting individuals to change their lives for the better.

The position is part of the Probation Service within HM Prison and Probation Service, and it offers a chance to build a meaningful career, develop new skills, and contribute to public safety.

The starting salary for successful candidates is £28,064. Pay progression may be available each year through a Competency Based Framework, depending on eligibility and competence. New starters are expected to begin at the minimum point of the pay band, and pay bands may also rise annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

Candidates who would like to discuss available roles can contact Paul.Griffiths@justice.gov.uk.

What the role involves

You will handle a varied caseload of people on probation, including those assessed before sentence and after sentence. The work includes assessment, implementing sentences, offender management, writing reports, and providing case management support within established procedures and professional guidance.

In day-to-day practice, you will assess risk, manage risk appropriately, provide reports and information to courts, and coordinate with agencies across the justice system. You will also support people on probation with practical and emotional help, including guidance on housing, employment, and other personal matters.

The role is similar to that of a qualified probation officer, but it focuses on medium- and lower-risk individuals.

Recruitment process

To apply, you must complete a short application form and respond to Civil Service behaviour-based and experience-based questions. You will also need to complete the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT), a two-part assessment that evaluates decision-making in relation to civil service behaviours.

The CSJT is the first stage of the process, and a practice test can be taken before the real assessment. If you pass that stage, your full application will be sifted after the deadline. Candidates who pass both the CSJT and the sift stage will be invited to interview.

If application volumes are high, only the lead behaviour may be assessed. Progression to later stages is not guaranteed, but applicants will be kept informed during the process. Feedback is only provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

About the Probation Service

By supervising offenders in the community, the Probation Service helps protect the public and supports people in taking positive steps to rebuild their lives. The service works as a collaborative team and shares knowledge and experience across its members.

Successful applicants may be assigned to a range of office, court, team, or prison locations across the probation region, depending on business needs.

Who this role is for

No degree is needed for this job. The service is more interested in your personal qualities and practical experience. Ideally, you will have worked with people facing social or personal difficulties, and you should be empathetic, patient, resilient, organised, and able to communicate clearly in writing.

You must be able to produce accurate reports under tight deadlines.

Eligibility and right to work

You must have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This position is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. If you already held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 and have maintained it continuously, your situation may be assessed under the relevant immigration rules and transitional provisions during pre-employment checks.

Successful applicants must continue to hold the legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service.

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

Security and checks

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

Benefits and working environment

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

Application guidance

Artificial intelligence may be used as a support tool, but all examples and statements in your application must be truthful, accurate, and based on your own experience. If content is identified as plagiarised or improperly generated, the application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

The vacancy uses Success Profiles and assesses behaviours, strengths, ability, and experience. Civil Service recruitment follows merit-based, fair, and open competition principles, and the Civil Service Code sets out expected standards of conduct.

Disability Confident and Redeployment Interview Scheme arrangements are available for eligible candidates who meet the relevant criteria.

For further information about benefits, allowances, and general recruitment queries, refer to the Candidate Information Page.

Additional information

We are looking for people who are empathetic, patient, resilient, and organised. The role is challenging but offers the opportunity to make a real difference to individuals and communities while building a professional career within the Probation Service.