Probation Officer

Open Competition: Probation Officers – Dublin, Galway and the Midlands

The Probation Service is an executive agency within the Department of Justice. We play an important role in helping to reduce the level of crime and to increase public safety by working with offenders to help change their behaviour and make good the harm done by crime. We are the lead agency in the assessment and management of offenders in our community.

The Probation Service is holding an open competition for the appointment of Probation Officers

Location: We currently have vacancies in Dublin, Galway and the Midlands. If you are successful in this competition you will be placed on a panel in order of merit from which vacancies will be filled.

Closing Date: 5pm, 3 September 2026

To apply: Please note that the Probation Service have engaged with an external recruitment company (CPL Recruitment) to manage the online application process and assist with the selection process.  You can apply for the Probation Officer role by completing the online application form at https://www.rezoomo.com/job/100932/

The Role

A Probation Officer in the Probation Service of the Department of Justice may be assigned to duties in any of the following areas: Courts and Community, Prisons/Places of Detention, Young Persons‟ Probation or other particular assignments that may arise in the Service.

A Probation Officer can anticipate changes in assignment from time to time during their careers with the Service.

The areas of current strategic priority for the Probation Service that are likely to impact on the work of a Probation Officer include:

• Ensuring community sanctions remain a viable and relevant disposal for the court;
• Expanding the range of community sanctions and approaches to offender rehabilitation available to the Courts, the Department of Justice and other relevant authorities;
• Developing new ways of working with our criminal justice partners, including greater integration of work practices in the management of offenders;
• Developing a more victim sensitive approach in our work with offenders as well as further developing restorative justice interventions and services to victims;
• Engaging with the community in promoting and delivering community sanctions.

Accountabilities for the position

• Meeting Service standards and guidelines in the preparation of assessment reports on offenders.

• Managing the supervision of offenders subject to a range of Court orders including Probation Orders, Community Service Orders, and post custody supervision.

• Delivery of Young Persons‟ Probation programmes, including the preparation of court reports, engaging with and motivating young offenders and implementing the Children Act 2001.

• Ensuring offenders‟ compliance with Court Orders and other orders being managed on behalf of relevant authorities e.g. Department of Justice, the Irish Prison Service.

• Delivery of interventions with offenders to reduce offending, establish pro-social behaviour and reduce victimisation.

Training

The Probation Service is committed to providing on-going training and development opportunities for all its staff. There is a dedicated staff training and development section within the Probation Service which provides induction training to all new officers. It also offers on-going skills and knowledge training in specific areas relevant to the core work of the Probation Service.

Locations of Posts:

All candidates will be considered to have applied for Dublin, Galway and the Midlands.

Candidates should be aware that requirements in relation to working on site at their place of work will be in line with the Probation Service Blended Working Policy. (All Probation Officers  are required to attend  their place of work on, at least three days per week to be agreed with their line manager. Additional in person attendance may be also required depending on the business need).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

Candidates must, on or before 3rd of September 2026, have

1. 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 being working as a Social Worker

and

1. Have experience in and capacity to demonstrate the following:

1. 1. Interviewing skills
   2. Report writing and assessment skills
   3. Case management skills, including ability to meet deadlines
   4. Ability to work as part of a team

and

1. Have knowledge of:

1. 1. The Criminal Justice system
   2. Community resources and how these can be mobilised

Desirable

• • CORU registered for social work
  • Post qualification work experience in a probation or social work setting
  • Court room skills
  • Knowledge of a range of social work methods of intervention
  • Knowledge of legislation relevant to the work of a Probation Officer
  • Knowledge and understanding of victim related issues
  • Knowledge of offending behaviour interventions and programmes
  • Ability to engage and motivate offenders
  • Knowledge of addictions
  • A full current driving licence that enables you to drive in Ireland and a car available for official business use or access to a form of transport which enables you to meet the full requirements of the post

It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility may not be confirmed until an applicant comes under consideration for assignment. An invitation to an interview does not constitute acceptance of eligibility.

For further details about this open competition, please see the information booklet:

Probation Officer Information Booklet