Probation Service Officer

Probation Service Officer – Court Team

Location: Worthing Magistrates' Court or Crawley Magistrates' Court
Contract Type: Temporary Contract
Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Pay Rate: £22.89 per hour (Limited/Umbrella Rate)
Equivalent PAYE Rate: Approximately £17.75–£18.00 per hour PAYE (depending on payroll provider and statutory on-cost calculations)

Overview

We are currently recruiting for experienced and motivated Probation Service Officers (PSOs) to join the Court Team based at either Worthing Magistrates' Court or Crawley Magistrates' Court. This is a full-time contract opportunity working within His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), supporting the delivery of effective probation services within a busy court environment.
The successful candidate will play a key role in assisting the courts by providing timely assessments, information, and recommendations to support sentencing decisions and offender management processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality court-based probation services in accordance with HMPPS policies and procedures.
• Conduct assessments of individuals appearing before the court, identifying risks, needs, and suitability for community-based interventions.
• Prepare and present verbal and written reports to Magistrates and District Judges.
• Liaise effectively with court staff, legal representatives, police, prison services, and partner agencies.
• Support the management of offenders by gathering and analysing relevant information.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of case information on relevant probation systems.
• Promote public protection by identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding and risk concerns.
• Contribute to effective sentence management and rehabilitation outcomes.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Probation Service Officer, Probation Officer, or within a criminal justice, probation, prison, youth offending, social care, or related environment.
• Strong report-writing and assessment skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure within a fast-paced court setting.
• Good understanding of risk assessment and offender management principles.
• Competent IT skills and experience using case management systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working within a court-based probation team.
• Knowledge of HMPPS policies, procedures, and offender management frameworks.
• Experience preparing court reports and providing sentencing recommendations.

Working Arrangements

• Full-time position working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Candidates must be able to attend court in person and work on-site at either Worthing Magistrates' Court or Crawley Magistrates' Court.
• Hybrid or remote working is not available due to the nature of the role.
• The role is offered on a temporary contract basis with the potential for extension, subject to business requirements.

If you are interested in this role then please contact Andy at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208962 or email andrew.quinney@servicecare.org.uk