Community Payback Supervisor - Widnes (Ref: 19165)

Role overview

This role is based at NMS Queensway House, WA8 0FD in Widnes. It sits within HM Prison and Probation Service and involves direct supervision of community payback work groups made up of people on probation. The work is practical, varied and focused on helping participants complete unpaid work that benefits local communities.

The position is a part-time onsite role, and the normal schedule includes a weekend day. Community Payback projects operate every day of the week, so you should expect regular weekend working and occasional evening cover. Weekend shifts are paid at an additional 50% rate.

In a typical shift, you may supervise a group for up to 7 hours at an unpaid work placement. The role is active and hands-on, and it may also involve driving service vehicles to move people or equipment between locations.

What the job involves

You will lead small groups on community payback placements, helping ensure tasks are completed safely, effectively and to a good standard. The work can include clearing overgrowth, improving public spaces, restoring community facilities such as sports halls and playgrounds, planting trees, laying flowerbeds, litter picking, and removing graffiti.

You may also be expected to demonstrate the correct way to carry out tasks and support service users by working alongside them when needed. The role is designed to help people on probation make a positive contribution while you help strengthen the wider community.

Working pattern and pay

Because this role supports people with jobs or caring responsibilities, the working pattern is spread across the week. You will regularly work weekends and may sometimes be asked to cover evenings. Rest breaks may not always follow a standard pattern due to operational demands, but wellbeing support is provided.

If you join the Probation Service successfully, your starting salary will be £28,064 pro rata. Pay progression may be available through the Competency Based Framework, depending on eligibility and growing competence. New joiners normally start at the minimum of the pay band, and pay bands may also rise annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

Eligibility and requirements

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa from 22 July 2025. Sponsorship is only potentially available in limited transitional circumstances for those who have held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and continue to meet the relevant rules.

A full UK manual driving licence is mandatory for this job. Automatic-only licences are not accepted. This is a technical requirement because the role may involve driving service vehicles.

The Civil Service recruitment process will assess behaviours, strengths and experience. If applications are high, candidates may only be assessed against the lead behaviour. Feedback is only provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Selection and security

To apply, you will need to complete a short application form and provide responses to two Civil Service behaviour questions and one experience-based question. The role is assessed using Success Profiles.

Successful candidates must complete a criminal record check. If you work with government assets, you will also need to complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

About the role and culture

The work is meaningful, active and people-focused. Community Payback Supervisors need to be empathetic, confident communicators and comfortable taking the lead. The environment suits someone who enjoys variety, physical activity and making a real difference while being supported in their work.

The Probation Service offers job security, benefits and opportunities to build a career while helping people on probation contribute positively to society.

Application and guidance notes

Artificial intelligence may be used to support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate and based on your own experience. If plagiarism or misrepresentation is found, the application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

This vacancy is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, and nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and eligible family members.

Benefits

Benefits mentioned for this role include access to learning and development, flexible working options to support work-life balance, an inclusive working culture, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and a Season Ticket Advance scheme.