Residential Worker - Bowling Green Approved Premises - Carlisle, Cumbria

Role overview

This role is based at NPS 90 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DP, and is part of HM Prison and Probation Service’s work within Approved Premises. Residential Workers support people on probation who are moving from custody back into the community, helping to maintain safety, supervision, and progress toward rehabilitation.

The post is attached to Bowling Green Approved Premises and is an on-site position only. Home working and hybrid arrangements are not available because the work is tied to a public protection service that must be delivered in person.

Working pattern

Band 3 Residential Workers may work full-time or part-time on a fixed rota. A flexible annualised-hours pattern is also available, up to 1,250 hours per year.

If you choose the annualised-hours option, you must share your availability with your line manager three months ahead of time, and that availability must include a combination of night, weekend, and weekday shifts.

The role runs on a rotating 24/7 schedule, covering all days of the week, weekends, and bank holidays. It is a front-facing post, and work from home is not permitted. The position may also require work across other Approved Premises sites if operational needs change, in line with policy.

In addition to the base salary, there are pay enhancements of 30% for night work and 50% for weekend work. Public and bank holiday work is also paid at 50%, with time off in lieu for the actual hours worked.

Successful applicants who cannot be placed immediately will be added to a merit list for 12 months to support future Residential Worker vacancies at Approved Premises.

Main duties

Residential Workers form part of a team providing round-the-clock cover at an Approved Premises, including security and monitoring responsibilities. The role involves working directly with residents on probation and carrying out a range of support tasks linked to their risk management and sentence plan goals.

You will need to notice and report any meaningful change in risk, any likelihood of re-offending, or any breach of compliance, following the agreed enforcement process. A key part of the role is helping to keep residents, colleagues, visitors, and the building safe and secure throughout each shift.

The post also contributes to offender rehabilitation by encouraging positive change and supporting resettlement into the community.

Recruitment and assessment

To apply, candidates must complete a short application form and respond to two Civil Service behaviour questions plus one experience-based question. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date, and candidates will then be informed of the outcome.

Assessment will be based on Success Profiles and will cover behaviours, strengths, and experience. The behaviours named for selection are Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Developing Self and Others, and Making Effective Decisions.

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

Candidate profile

No degree is required. The service is looking for someone with the right personal qualities rather than formal academic background. Experience of working with people facing social or personal difficulties is helpful. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, patient, and resilient, with solid literacy and numeracy skills because report writing is part of the job.

Eligibility and right to work

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This vacancy is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under current immigration rules. Candidates who have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously should raise this during pre-employment checks so eligibility can be reviewed under the applicable transitional rules.

Anyone who is successful must keep the legal right to live and work in the UK and the Civil Service throughout employment.

Security and checks

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

About the Probation Service

The Probation Service works with people before release from prison, after release, and during community sentences. Its purpose is to support rehabilitation while protecting the public. The organisation describes itself as a supportive team environment built on shared knowledge, expertise, job security, benefits, and progression opportunities.

Benefits

Employees can access learning and development, flexible working options that support work-life balance, an inclusive and diverse working culture, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and season ticket advance.

Additional information

Artificial intelligence may be used to support an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, personally experienced, and factually accurate. If plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified, the application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

Further information about recruitment, benefits, allowances, and general queries is available through the Candidate Information Page referenced in the original vacancy.

Summary

This is an on-site, part-time Residential Worker position at Bowling Green Approved Premises in Carlisle, supporting public protection, resident supervision, and rehabilitation work in a 24-hour operational setting.