Senior Probation Officer (Nationwide)

The Role

A Senior Probation Officer is the local service manager, reporting to the appropriate Assistant Principal Probation Officer (Regional Manager) is responsible for the effective delivery of services and programmes to the courts, the community and custodial institutions, in accordance with policies in place within the Service.

In his/her capacity as manager and Probation Service team leader, the effective co- ordination and management of the work includes, but is not limited to:

• Managing a team, which includes providing leadership in staff management anddevelopment, managing Probation Officers, Community Service Supervisors andadministrative staff;
• Co-ordination and management of the work of the team for which he/she is responsible, liaison with other disciplines, services and community organisations in his/her area of responsibility;
• Commitment to regular professional staff supervision with each member of the team, combining direction in case management with assisting staff in developing a variety of skills and generally supporting and motivating staff in their practice;
• Supervising all work activity within the team, including the management of caseloads, quality assurance of assessment, case records and other aspects of case management, in accordance with established professional practice and Service policy;
• The management and administration of community service in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983, and the Community Return Scheme as set out in the Service policy;
• Ensuring that each office under his/her responsibility is a safe place to work in accordance with the requirements of health and safety legislation and Service Policy;
• Supervising all aspects of attendance, performance and duties of Probation Service staff assigned to courts, prisons or places of detention and other Service staff in the office or area including;
• Preparation of Probation and Performance Management and Development (PMDS) reports on staff;
• Ensuring that expenditure is managed in a planned and effective way;
• Carry a small client caseload.

Location of Posts

Posts will be located nationwide.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to compete, prospective candidates must, on the closing date.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will on or before the closing date of 5pm, 26th of August 2026 have:

• A Qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in Social Science with social policy component, or an equivalent qualification recognised for entry onto one of the Social Work courses approved by CORU, Health and Social Care Professionals Council.

OR

• have been working as a Social Worker

and

Have relevant experience in and capacity to demonstrate the following:

• a) Interviewing skills
• b) Report writing and assessment skills
• c) Case management skills, including ability to meet deadlines
• d) Ability to work as part of a team

and

Have knowledge of:

• a) The Criminal Justice system
• b) Community resources and how these can be mobilised

• A minimum of two years relevant operational experience in a probation or social work setting;
• Strong knowledge base and experience in working with clients, including assessment, supervision and intervention programmes through effective practice standards.
• Full current driving licence that enables you to drive in Ireland and a car available for official business or access to a form of transport which will enable you to meet the full requirements of the post

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• A professional qualification in social work, recognised by CORU.

Candidates will also be required to demonstrate the competencies set out in Appendix A of the Candidate Information Booklet.

Closing Date

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm, 26th August 2026.