Probation Officer Jobs Nationwide
The Probation Service, an executive agency of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, is seeking to appoint Probation Officers Nationwide through an open competition. Successful candidates will be placed on a national panel in order of merit from which vacancies will be filled.
Probation Officer Jobs Nationwide offer a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Ireland’s criminal justice system—supporting rehabilitation, reducing reoffending, and enhancing public safety across communities.
Employer
Probation Service (Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration)
Website: https://www.probation.ie/
Job Overview
As a Probation Officer, you will play a key role in assessing, supervising, and supporting offenders in the community, in courts, and in custodial settings. You will work collaboratively with criminal justice partners while promoting rehabilitation, restorative justice, and victim-sensitive practices.
This is a dynamic and impactful career path offering long-term development and national mobility within the Service.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare professional assessment reports for Courts and relevant authorities
- Supervise offenders subject to Court Orders including Probation Orders and Community Service Orders
- Manage post-custody supervision and compliance monitoring
- Deliver Young Persons’ Probation programmes under the Children Act 2001
- Implement interventions to reduce offending behaviour and victimisation
- Engage with victims and support restorative justice initiatives
- Collaborate with criminal justice partners and community agencies
- Promote community sanctions and offender reintegration
Required Skills & Qualifications
Essential
Candidates must, on or before 24 February 2026:
- Hold a Level 8 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications in Social Science (with a social policy component), or an equivalent qualification recognised for entry to CORU-approved Social Work courses OR
- Be currently working as a Social Worker
And demonstrate:
- Strong interviewing skills
- High-quality report writing and assessment capability
- Case management skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Knowledge of the Criminal Justice system
- Knowledge of community resources and rehabilitation supports
Desirable
- CORU registration for Social Work
- Post-qualification experience in probation or social work settings
- Courtroom experience
- Knowledge of relevant legislation
- Experience in offending behaviour programmes
- Understanding of victim-related issues
- Knowledge of addictions
- Full clean driving licence with access to transport for official duties
Salary, Benefits & Working Conditions
Salary: In line with public sector pay scales (details available in the Information Booklet)
Working Arrangement: Blended Working Policy applies
• Minimum three days per week on-site (as agreed with line manager)
• Additional in-person attendance may be required based on service needs
Benefits include:
- Structured induction programme
- Ongoing professional training and development
- National career mobility opportunities
- Public sector pension scheme
- Annual leave in line with public service regulations
Location & Panel Information
Location: Nationwide
All successful candidates will be placed on a National Panel in order of merit. Vacancies will be filled as they arise across Courts & Community, Prisons/Places of Detention, Young Persons’ Probation, and other service areas.
Assignments may change during the course of your career in line with service requirements.
Application Details
The Probation Service has engaged CPL Recruitment to manage the online application process.
Information Booklet: Download
👉 Apply before 24 February 2026, 5:00 PM
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