Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting experienced Probation Services Officers to work within an Approved Premises setting in Reading, on behalf of the Probation Service.
This role supports the Probation Service's public protection aims by supervising high-risk individuals residing in Approved Premises. The successful candidate will bring previous experience as a PSO or similar and confidence in managing risk, monitoring compliance, and maintaining a rehabilitative and safe environment.
Summary of job
📍 Location: St Leonards Approved Premises, Southcote Road, Reading RG30 2AA
📄 Contract: Temporary (initially 1 year, with possibility of extension)
🕒 Hours: 37 hours per week (day shifts 8-4 or 9-5, with one late night per week; alternate weekend shifts of 4 hours with a weekday off)
💰 Rate: £14.99 per hour PAYE / £19.74 per hour Umbrella (with enhanced rates for weekends and hours worked after 7pm)
Main duties and responsibilities
* Supervise and support residents within the Approved Premises, ensuring compliance with licence conditions and AP rules
* Monitor and report breaches, curfew compliance, and incidents in line with Probation Service procedures
* Carry out building checks, room searches, and support routines including medication handling and inductions
* Contribute to risk assessments, sentence planning, and multi-agency safeguarding processes
* Engage residents in structured support and promote access to services such as housing, health, employment, and substance misuse recovery
* Maintain accurate, timely case records using nDelius or equivalent systems
* Participate in staff handovers, team meetings, and rota shifts including weekends and evenings
Person Specification
* Experience working as a Probation Services Officer or equivalent within the last 5 years
* Confidence working in Approved Premises or with high-risk offenders in a residential or community setting
* Ability to manage challenging behaviour and enforce boundaries professionally
* Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills
* Competence in using case management systems (e.g., nDelius) and maintaining accurate records
* Ability to assess risk and respond effectively to incidents
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional lone-working
Desirable
* Experience in criminal justice, Community support services, Homelessness and housing support, Mental health and substance misuse services, Third sector or charity-based support work, Frontline support with vulnerable adults, Crisis intervention or outreach roles
* Understanding of probation practice and public protection policies (e.g., MAPPA)
* Familiarity with trauma-informed or psychologically informed practice
Additional Information
* This role is subject to Enhanced DBS and vetting - RSR can assist with the application
* Full induction and training provided
If this role is not for you but you do know somebody who would be interested please refer them. We have a referral bonus scheme and will pay £75, in retail vouchers of your choice, for referrals who are not already known to us.
Due to the high volume of applications received, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, I am afraid your application has been unsuccessful.
RSR Justice is a market leading recruitment business dedicated to providing top quality candidates and services to the offender rehabilitation and supervision work sectors.
Red Snapper Recruitment is a member of the Red Snapper Group.
The Red Snapper Group acts as an employment agency (permanent) and as an employment business (temporary) - a free and confidential service to candidates.
The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer