Community Payback supervisor

Ministry of Justice; Lowestoft; Hybrid; GBP 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is hiring for a Community Payback role, focusing on supporting individuals on probation while contributing to community projects. Responsibilities include conducting induction sessions, leading health and safety practices, and maintaining records. Candidates should have practical skills, a UK Manual Driving Licence, and effective interpersonal abilities. The role offers £26,475 starting salary and various benefits including training opportunities and annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Access to pension scheme

Extensive training opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Experience of practical skills in a related field.
• Basic knowledge of First Aid and willing to undertake further training.
• Ability to model pro-social attitudes and behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Pre-Placement Unpaid Work Induction sessions.
• Lead motivational talks to service users.
• Ensure health & safety procedures are followed.

Skills

Practical skills

Effective interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork commitment

Education

UK Manual Driving Licence – Category D1 (Minibus)

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Please note: this vacancy is based on a minimum hours contract (9.25 hours per session).

A career in community payback gives you the power to make a positive impact on the lives of people on probation and on your community. You will be part of a team that supports people on probation on their journey and helps make the community a better place, for example through building benches, cleaning streets, or other public works. This role offers a chance to assist individuals to gain employment skills and vocational training while contributing to community reparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Pre‑Placement Unpaid Work Induction sessions.
• Lead a start‑of‑day ‘tool box’ talk to explain tasks, safe working practice, and motivation to service users.
• Follow work directions within the project placement file.
• Ensure health & safety procedures are followed, alerting relevant staff to any risk, and keeping accurate paperwork, including participation in risk assessment reviews.
• Ensure all tools, equipment and supplies are available and used safely.
• Conduct dynamic risk assessments to identify and manage hazards.
• Use pro‑social and motivational techniques to ensure disciplined, well‑behaved completion of tasks.
• Monitor attendance of service users in agency placements and promote successful completions.
• Maintain accurate records in the case management system.
• Work toward accreditation as a workplace assessor or deliver training assessments for selected service users to provide enhanced learning opportunities.
• Promote Community Payback with colleagues, external agencies, sentencing professionals, and the public.

Competencies (Civil Service Success Profile)

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

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of practical skills.
• UK Manual Driving Licence – Category D1 (Minibus) required.
• Evidence of teamwork commitment.
• Effective interpersonal skills with ability to supervise constructively while maintaining authority.
• Evidence of problem‑solving within a workplace or similar environment.
• Knowledge of safety at work, public protection and risk of harm in all aspects of work.

Technical Requirements

• Basic knowledge of First Aid and willingness to undertake further training.
• Will to attain IOSH L3 or equivalent and to attend further training.
• Will to achieve and maintain a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) or equivalent.

Abilities

• Ability to model pro‑social attitudes and behaviour to service users.
• Good written communication skills, communicating and influencing.

Working Pattern & Pay

The role is a minimum hours contract. Workers may be required to undertake weekend and occasional evening work, for which a higher rate applies. The starting salary is £26,475, with potential annual progression through the Competency Based Framework (CBF).

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays.
• Access to the National Probation Service pension scheme via the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Extensive training and development opportunities through the Ministry of Justice.
• Employee‑run networks for diverse and inclusive support.
• Family‑friendly policies, flexible benefits, and retail vouchers.
• Paid parental leave, free annual eye tests for users of computer screens.

Additional Information

Applicants may provide multiple location preferences; reserve lists will be managed accordingly, with appointments made on a merit‑list basis. Residual candidates will remain on a reserve list for 12 months. All offers of employment will be made strictly in merit order based on performance throughout the recruitment process.

Hybrid working arrangements are available where business need allows, allowing work from base locations, MoJ sites, or home (within the UK). Some roles may not be suitable for hybrid working. Working arrangements will be discussed and reviewed regularly.

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to commencing the post. The role complies with Civil Service Equal Opportunities and Diversity & Inclusion policies.