Community Payback Supervisor - Prescot (Ref: 19168)

Role overview

This position is based at NMS Building K2, Prescot Business Park, L34 1PB. It is a part-time, on-site operational post with HM Prison and Probation Service, focused on supervising community payback work groups in the local area.

Community payback is about helping people on probation complete unpaid work that benefits the public, while also contributing to safer and better-maintained neighbourhoods. The role is hands-on, active and varied, and suits someone who enjoys leading others, communicating clearly and making a practical difference.

If appointed, your starting salary will be £28,064 pro-rata.

Working pattern and hours

The role includes a weekend day in the working pattern. Community payback projects operate seven days a week, so weekend working will be frequent and you may also be asked to cover some evenings. Weekend days are paid at 50% above the normal rate.

On a typical day, you may supervise a group for up to 7 hours at an unpaid work placement. The pace of work can mean breaks are not always taken in the usual way, but wellbeing support is expected to be in place.

The service offers annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework, subject to eligibility. New starters normally begin at the minimum of the pay band, and pay band ranges may also be adjusted annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

Main duties

You will oversee groups of offenders carrying out community sentence work, making sure tasks are completed safely, effectively and to a good standard. The post may involve driving service vehicles to move people or equipment.

You will lead by example, work alongside service users where needed, and supervise a range of manual activities that may include:

• clearing overgrowth to improve safety in public areas
• restoring community spaces such as sports halls and playgrounds
• planting trees and laying flowerbeds
• litter picking
• graffiti removal
• building benches
• cleaning streets

What the role is about

This job is about guiding people on probation through constructive unpaid work while helping communities benefit from visible improvements. You will be expected to motivate individuals from different backgrounds, keep the group on task, and support them in completing their hours responsibly.

The role is described as suitable for someone empathetic, confident in communication, and comfortable taking the lead in a practical environment.

Eligibility and mandatory requirements

You 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. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously before the 22 July 2025 rule changes, your case may be assessed under the relevant transitional provisions during pre-employment checks.

Candidates must hold a full UK manual driving licence to apply. Automatic-only licences are not accepted. This is a mandatory technical requirement for the role.

Successful candidates must complete a criminal record check, and people working with government assets must also complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Recruitment process

Applications require a short form plus written responses to two Civil Service behaviour questions and one experience-based question. The selection process uses Success Profiles and may assess behaviours, strengths and experience. If application volumes are high, assessment may be limited to the lead behaviour. Feedback is only provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Artificial intelligence may be used as support in preparing an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate and based on your own experience. Any plagiarism or misrepresentation may lead to withdrawal from the process.

About the employer

HM Prison and Probation Service describes the work as meaningful, challenging and secure, with opportunities for development and progression, as well as the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives and communities.

Benefits

Employee benefits include access to learning and development, flexible working options where possible, an inclusive working culture, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays and Season Ticket Advance.

Nationality and right-to-work rules

This role 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. You must continue to hold the legal right to live and work in the UK and Civil Service if appointed.