Probation service officer

Probation Service Officer

Location: HMP Doncaster 
Duration: Approximately 12 Months (Maternity Cover)
Hours: Full-Time
Salary: £22.89 ltd per hour (umbrella rate) or £15.00 PAYE approx. equivalent

The Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for experienced Probation Service Officers (PSOs) to join teams based at HMP Doncaster and HMP Humber on fixed-term contracts of approximately 12 months to provide maternity cover.
This is an excellent opportunity for criminal justice professionals to play a key role in the assessment, management and rehabilitation of individuals within the probation system. The successful candidates will undertake a full range of offender management responsibilities, supporting individuals before and after sentencing while contributing to public protection and reducing reoffending.

Key Responsibilities
As a Probation Service Officer, you will:

Manage a caseload of individuals assessed as presenting a low to medium risk of harm and provide support to Probation Officers in higher-risk cases.

Undertake assessments, sentence implementation activities and offender management responsibilities.

Contribute to the development and delivery of Risk Management Plans, reporting any significant changes relating to risk, safeguarding concerns, reoffending behaviour or non-compliance.

Prepare reports and documentation for courts, criminal justice agencies and partner organisations.

Provide information, advice and recommendations to criminal courts and partner agencies.

Supervise individuals subject to community orders, suspended sentence orders and those transitioning from custody into the community.

Maintain accurate records and case management information using relevant IT systems within agreed timescales.

Make effective referrals to internal and external services, ensuring individuals receive appropriate interventions and support.

Liaise with offender managers, intervention teams, prison staff, service providers and external agencies to monitor progress and manage risk.

Conduct prison, home and community visits in accordance with service policies and procedures.

Undertake court-based work, including report writing and breach proceedings where required.

Deliver and co-facilitate accredited programmes and structured interventions where appropriate.

Carry out mandatory alcohol and drug testing in line with operational requirements.

Fulfil safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults in accordance with statutory guidance and organisational policies.

Demonstrate positive role modelling by promoting pro-social behaviour and challenging anti-social attitudes and behaviours.

Support colleagues and provide operational cover across teams when required.

Essential Requirements

Experience working within criminal justice, prisons, probation, social care, safeguarding, housing, substance misuse services, mental health services, youth offending services, or another related support environment.

Strong understanding of risk assessment, safeguarding and professional boundaries.

Experience managing caseloads, supporting vulnerable individuals, or coordinating support plans.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders and service users.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Competent IT skills and experience maintaining accurate records and documentation.

A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable Requirements

Previous experience working directly with offenders, people on probation, or within a criminal justice setting would be advantageous but is not essential.

Experience of offender management, rehabilitation, resettlement, safeguarding or risk management.

Experience preparing reports or assessments.

Knowledge of HMPPS, probation services or prison-based offender management processes.

Experience delivering structured interventions, programmes or support services.

What We're Looking For
The successful candidates will be resilient, organised and committed to supporting rehabilitation while maintaining a strong focus on public protection. You will be confident working with a diverse range of individuals and able to exercise sound professional judgement when managing risk and safeguarding concerns.
Additional Information

These positions are fixed-term contracts for approximately 12 months to provide maternity cover.

Opportunities are available at both HMP Doncaster and HMP Humber.

Some flexibility may be required, including occasional out-of-hours working depending on operational needs.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo relevant prison security clearance and pre-employment checks.

If you are interested in this role please contact Andy at Service Care Solutions on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)