Community Payback supervisor

Ministry of Justice; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An essential government agency is looking for a Community Payback Supervisor in Ellesmere Port. This full-time role involves leading teams of offenders in their community service activities while ensuring health and safety compliance. Responsibilities include conducting induction sessions, delivering toolbox talks, and maintaining accurate records. The ideal candidate will have strong teamwork and supervisory skills, a valid D1 driving licence, and knowledge of health and safety standards. The starting salary is £26,475, with generous benefits and training opportunities.

Benefits

Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30

Local Government Pension Scheme

Extensive training and development opportunities

Hybrid working arrangements where possible

Qualifications

• Full UK Manual Driving Licence (Category D1 Minibus) required.
• Experience in community or construction projects essential.
• Good written communication skills are necessary.
• Basic First Aid knowledge is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead small teams of offenders on community projects.
• Ensure health & safety compliance during activities.
• Monitor attendance and support offenders' skill development.
• Communicate effectively and model pro-social attitudes.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Supervisory skills

Health & safety knowledge

Communication skills

Education

IOSH Level 3 or equivalent

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)

Tools

First Aid knowledge

Driving Licence (Category D1 Minibus)

Job description

Overview

The Community Payback Supervisor will lead small teams of offenders who are serving a community sentence. The role involves supervising manual work placement activities (e.g. clearing overgrowth, planting trees, graffiti removal), ensuring health & safety, supporting offenders in developing employability skills, and promoting the Community Payback programme to staff, volunteers and the public.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre‑placement unpaid work induction sessions.
• Deliver a daily ‘toolbox’ talk to explain tasks, safe working practice and motivate offenders to complete their work.
• Follow work directions in the placement file and ensure tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Apply health & safety procedures, raise risks, complete required paperwork and contribute to risk‑assessment review.
• Ensure appropriate tools, equipment and supplies are available and used safely.
• Carry out a dynamic risk assessment for each placement.
• Use pro‑social and motivational techniques to ensure offenders complete work in a disciplined manner.
• Monitor attendance and promote successful completion of placements.
• Maintain accurate records in the case‑management system.
• Work toward accreditation as a workplace assessor or deliver training assessments to selected offenders.
• Promote Community Payback with colleagues, external agencies, Sentencers and the public.
• Demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion and adhere to all policies on confidentiality.
• Accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level, with adjustments discussed first with the employer.
• Communicate effectively in English (or Welsh where specified) and model pro‑social attitudes to offenders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Full UK Manual Driving Licence (Category D1 Minibus) – automatic licences are not accepted.
• Experience of practical skills in community or construction projects.
• Evidence of teamwork, problem‑solving and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of health & safety, public protection and risk management.
• Basic First Aid knowledge and willingness to undertake further training.
• Willingness to obtain IOSH Level 3 or equivalent and a willingness to undertake further training.
• Willingness to achieve and maintain a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA).
• Good written communication skills and ability to influence and lead.
• Evidence of ability to model positive attitudes and motivate others.

Behavioural Criteria

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

Working Pattern

Full‑time 37 hours per week (Sunday–Thursday) with frequent weekend work and occasional evenings. Weekend hours are paid at a higher rate.

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary: £26,475 (pay progression through a Competency Based Framework).
• Annual leave: 25 days (rising to 30 after five years) plus public holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Hybrid working arrangements where business need allows.
• Additional family‑friendly policies and flexible benefits.
• Paid maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave.

Recruitment Process

Applications are assessed on merit and judged against the Civil Service Success Profile. Candidates will be required to undergo security and identity checks prior to offer. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition, requests for adjustments to the application process are welcomed.