Probation Service Officer – Housing Support Service at HMP Norwich: £28,064–£33,549 Salary
HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting Probation Service Officers to support people in custody and the community with housing, rehabilitation and resettlement needs.
There are 2 permanent positions available in Norwich, with full-time, part-time, job-share and flexible working options available.
Important for international applicants: This vacancy is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the immigration changes introduced on 22 July 2025. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK. However, HMPPS states that candidates who held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 and have held it continuously may be assessed under the applicable transitional provisions.
Job at a Glance
| Job detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job title | Probation Service Officer – Housing Support Service |
| Employer | HM Prison & Probation Service |
| Department | Ministry of Justice |
| Location | HMP Norwich / NPS Centenary House, Norwich |
| Additional locations | Norfolk Community locations, HMP Wayland and potentially HMP Bure |
| Salary | £28,064 – £33,549 |
| Prison allowance | £781 may be applicable for HM Prison Norwich |
| Contract | Permanent |
| Working pattern | Full-time, part-time, job share and flexible working |
| Number of vacancies | 2 |
| Job grade | NPS Pay Band 3 National |
| Role type | Operational Delivery |
| Reference | 480596 / Ref: 22211 |
| Closing date | 11:55 pm, Thursday 24 September 2026 |
| Interview dates | Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October 2026 |
| Interview location | Norwich Probation Office |
About the Probation Service Officer Role
The Probation Service Officer will work with people on probation both in custody and in the community, helping address housing and rehabilitation needs within the criminal justice system.
The Housing Support Service element of the position focuses particularly on accommodation-related needs. The successful candidates will carry out face-to-face accommodation assessments, develop and review accommodation plans, maintain accurate case records and work with relevant agencies to help participants access appropriate housing.
The role combines case management, communication, assessment, safeguarding and rehabilitation support.
It can be challenging work, but it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives while developing a career within the Probation Service.
Key Responsibilities
As a Probation Service Officer, your responsibilities may include:
- Engaging with participants and referral agencies to help people access suitable accommodation.
- Carrying out timely face-to-face accommodation assessments.
- Developing, reviewing and updating accommodation plans.
- Maintaining accurate records of progress, outcomes, risks and interventions.
- Maintaining regular and professional contact with people on probation.
- Identifying emerging risks, safeguarding concerns and other issues requiring action.
- Working closely with internal teams and external organisations.
- Attending meetings and contributing to partnership working.
- Promoting equality, diversity, rights and participant involvement.
- Supporting rehabilitation and positive outcomes.
- Providing information and support relating to housing and employment where appropriate.
- Assessing and managing risks.
- Providing case management support before and after sentencing.
- Producing clear and accurate reports.
- Working within probation procedures, practice directions and relevant legislation.
- Following GDPR, information security, health and safety and safeguarding requirements.
Successful applicants may be required to work across Norfolk community locations, HMP Wayland and HMP Norwich, with the possibility of attending HMP Bure when operational requirements require it.
Who Can Apply?
You do not need a university degree to apply for this role.
The Probation Service is particularly interested in candidates who have the personal qualities required to work effectively with people experiencing social or personal difficulties.
The employer is looking for people who are:
- Empathetic
- Patient
- Resilient
- Organised
- Professional
- Good communicators
- Able to work collaboratively
- Comfortable dealing with challenging situations
- Capable of maintaining accurate records
- Able to produce clear written reports
Previous experience of working with people experiencing social or personal difficulties would be advantageous.
Strong writing skills are particularly important because the role requires accurate reports to be produced within deadlines.
Do You Need a Degree?
No.
The advert specifically states that a degree is not required. The Probation Service places significant emphasis on candidates’ personal qualities, relevant experience, communication skills and ability to work effectively with people.
This makes the vacancy potentially attractive to applicants who have relevant experience but do not hold a university degree.
Civil Service Behaviours Being Assessed
The recruitment process will assess candidates against several Civil Service behaviours.
These include:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
Candidates should therefore prepare examples from their own experience demonstrating these behaviours.
When preparing your application, focus on specific situations you have personally dealt with rather than generic statements about what you would do.
Salary and Pay Progression
The advertised salary range is:
£28,064 – £33,549
For successful new entrants, the starting salary is expected to be £28,064, with part-time roles paid on a pro-rata basis.
A £781 prison allowance may be applicable for HM Prison Norwich.
The Probation Service also operates a Competency Based Framework (CBF). Subject to eligibility, employees may progress through the relevant pay band as their competence develops.
The employer also states that pay ranges are reviewed annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance.
Benefits
Employees can receive a range of benefits as part of working for the Probation Service and wider Civil Service.
Benefits listed in the vacancy include:
- Learning and development opportunities
- Flexible working options
- Support for work-life balance
- Inclusive working environment
- Civil Service pension
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97%
- Annual leave
- Public holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
The role can also provide valuable on-the-job training and experience for people seeking to develop a longer-term career within the Probation Service.
Is Visa Sponsorship Available?
Important: New Skilled Worker Sponsorship Is Not Available
Applicants looking for a new UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should be aware that this vacancy is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa.
HMPPS states that, following changes to Skilled Worker eligibility introduced on 22 July 2025, it cannot sponsor someone for a Probation Service Officer position if they have not previously held a Skilled Worker visa before those changes.
The advert states that candidates who:
- held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025; and
- have held that visa continuously
may be assessed under the relevant immigration rules and transitional provisions.
If you have not previously held a Skilled Worker visa before the relevant date, you should not assume that this vacancy can provide you with sponsorship.
You must have the legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service.
This is particularly important for applicants applying from outside the UK.
Right to Work in the UK
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK and satisfy the relevant Civil Service nationality requirements.
The vacancy is broadly open to eligible:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
- Eligible EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals and qualifying family members with relevant EU Settlement Scheme status
- Certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain
- Turkish nationals and certain qualifying family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Applicants should check their individual eligibility before applying.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework.
Candidates will be assessed on:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Ability
- Experience
Applicants will initially complete a short application form and provide responses relating to Civil Service Behaviours and Experience.
Civil Service Judgement Test
Candidates will also be required to complete the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT).
The CSJT is a two-part assessment designed to examine how candidates make decisions in situations relevant to Civil Service behaviours.
Candidates have the opportunity to complete a practice test immediately before taking the assessment.
If you pass this stage, your full application will be considered after the vacancy closes.
Where there is a high volume of applications, candidates may be assessed in stages or “tranches”. Candidates who meet the required standard may be held for a later assessment stage depending on their position in the merit order.
Interview and Assessment Day
This vacancy has a particularly important interview requirement.
Interviews will take place in person on:
Thursday 8 October 2026
or
Friday 9 October 2026
at the Norwich Probation Office.
Candidates must arrive at approximately 9:45am.
The employer describes this as a full-day assessment event.
The morning will include a group welcome session, followed by interviews in the afternoon.
Important
Candidates must be available for the entire assessment day.
The employer states that alternative interview dates will not be offered and appointments cannot be rescheduled.
If you are invited to interview, make sure you can attend on one of the specified dates before progressing.
What Does a Probation Service Officer Do?
Probation Service Officers work with people who have been involved with the criminal justice system.
Depending on the position, PSOs can work in:
- Probation Delivery Units
- Courts
- Prisons
- Approved Premises
- Community accommodation services
- Integrated Offender Management
- Public Protection
- Unpaid Work
- Community Payback
- Accredited programmes
- Structured interventions
- Service centres
- Homeless Prevention Taskforce
- Community integration services
- Performance and quality teams
The work can involve managing a caseload, assessing risks, supporting rehabilitation, preparing reports and working with other agencies.
A PSO may provide practical support around issues such as housing and employment, while also helping people engage with rehabilitation and reduce the risk of further offending.
Security Checks
Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced or equivalent criminal record check.
Candidates working with government assets will also be subject to the required personnel security checks, including the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) where applicable.
Applicants should be prepared for appropriate pre-employment and security checks before appointment.
Artificial Intelligence and Applications
The employer allows candidates to use artificial intelligence tools to support their applications, but there is an important restriction.
Any examples and statements submitted must be truthful, factually accurate and based on your own experience.
Candidates should not submit AI-generated examples as though they personally experienced them.
Applications may be withdrawn where plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified.
If you use AI to help structure your application, make sure the final examples genuinely reflect your own work, achievements and experiences.
How to Prepare Your Application
Before applying, consider examples from your experience involving:
Communication: When have you had to explain difficult information or influence someone?
Decision-making: When have you had to make an important decision using available information?
Working together: When have you worked successfully with colleagues, agencies or external organisations?
Delivering at pace: When have you had to complete important work under pressure?
Quality: When have you maintained accurate records or delivered a service to a high standard?
Developing others: When have you helped another person learn, improve or overcome a difficulty?
Use real examples and explain the situation, what you personally did and the outcome.
Closing Date
The application deadline is:
11:55 pm on Thursday 24 September 2026
Do not wait until the final few minutes to submit your application. Online assessments and application stages may require additional time.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Ministry of Justice recruitment website.
Full details + Apply:
https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/22211?entityId=22211
Vacancy: Probation Service Officer – Housing Support Service – HMP Norwich
Reference: 22211 / 480596
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Probation Service Officer job permanent?
Yes. The advertised position is permanent.
How many vacancies are available?
There are 2 vacancies.
What is the salary?
The advertised salary is £28,064 to £33,549, with the starting salary for successful new entrants expected to be £28,064. Part-time positions are paid pro rata.
A £781 prison allowance may apply at HM Prison Norwich.
Is a degree required?
No. The advert states that a degree is not required.
Can overseas applicants get Skilled Worker sponsorship?
No, not for a new Skilled Worker visa. HMPPS specifically states that the role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker sponsorship following the changes introduced on 22 July 2025.
Candidates who held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and have held it continuously may be considered under transitional provisions.
Can I apply if I already have UK right to work?
Yes, provided you meet the vacancy’s other eligibility and Civil Service nationality requirements.
Is the role full-time?
The vacancy supports full-time, part-time, job-share and flexible working arrangements.
Where is the job based?
The position is based at HM Prison Norwich, NR1 4LU, and NPS Centenary House Norwich, NR3 1RT.
Successful applicants may also work across Norfolk community locations, HMP Wayland and potentially HMP Bure depending on operational requirements.
When are the interviews?
Interviews are scheduled for 8 and 9 October 2026 at the Norwich Probation Office.
The assessment is a full-day event beginning at approximately 9:45am, and candidates must be available for the entire day.
When does the job close?
The deadline is 11:55 pm on Thursday 24 September 2026.
Final Reminder for Applicants
This could be a strong opportunity for people interested in probation, criminal justice, housing support, rehabilitation, community services and public-sector careers.
The role does not require a degree, and the employer highlights qualities such as empathy, patience, resilience, organisation and communication.
However, applicants seeking a new Skilled Worker visa should pay particular attention to the sponsorship restriction. This vacancy should not be treated as a new visa sponsorship opportunity.
If you already have UK right to work and meet the requirements, review the full advert carefully and prepare your Civil Service application and judgement test before the deadline.
Source and Disclaimer
This job information is based on the vacancy advertised by HM Prison & Probation Service / Ministry of Justice through Civil Service Jobs. Salary, eligibility, immigration requirements, closing dates and recruitment arrangements can change.
Applicants should always check the official vacancy before submitting an application.