Community Service Manager (Higher Executive Officer)

The Role

The Community Service Manager is a new role being established within the new regional structure of Community Service operations in Ireland and will be responsible for site operations, business development, and management at regional level.

Reporting directly to the Regional Manager (APPO) for Community Service & Community Sanctions, the successful candidate will line manage Community Service Supervisors within their region. The role also includes a broad range of Community Service delivery, administrative, and support responsibilities.

Duties of a Community Service Manager include, but are not limited to:

• Provide effective leadership and line management to Community Service Supervisors, Executive Officers (EOs), and Clerical Officers (COs) assigned to the region, ensuring high standards of practice and team performance.
• Support recruitment, induction, staff development, PMDS, performance management, attendance management, training needs, employee relations, and diversity matters in line with HR policies.
• Provide estate management oversight of Community Service sites operated by Community Service Supervisors and placements delivered in partnership with host organisations.
• Ensure Community Service operations comply with all relevant legislation, including Health and Safety requirements, and adhere to best practice models, including Public Sector Duty obligations.
• Work with the Health and National Safety Unit to ensure statutory compliance in working practices and provide leadership in accident and incident reporting, reviews, and continuous improvements.
• Oversee the development and assessment of suitable Community Service projects and collaborate with partner agencies and stakeholders, representing the Probation Service as appropriate.
• Manage assets, fleet, and equipment within the region, ensuring cost-effective and efficient service delivery.
• Network with community partners, including Local Authorities, County Councils, community-based organisations, and other services to promote Community Service and develop new work opportunities.
• Oversee the completion of statistical and administrative duties by the team.
• Contribute to the achievement of the Probation Service's strategic aims, including the Community Service: New Directions Implementation Plan.
• Participate in relevant working groups and forums.

The role requires the following core personal attributes:

• Strong leadership skills in managing teams.
• Effective communication skills.
• Problem-solving and decisive decision-making abilities.
• Safety awareness and risk management insight.
• Relationship building and interagency collaboration skills.
• Organisational and future planning ability.
• Commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.

Essential Requirements

Candidates must have, on or before 1 July 2026:

• Two years of relevant work experience in Community Service or similar organisations working with offenders.

And:

• A full clean driving licence with the ability to travel between offices and Community Service sites.
• Demonstrated ability to work to deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and develop positive working relationships.
• High level of competency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Project management skills.
• Experience with Health and Safety protocols.
• Facilities or site management experience.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a complex stakeholder environment, supported by strong stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills

• A qualification in facilities management, health and safety, or another related discipline.

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate the competencies required at the Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade.

The Selection Process

The selection process may include:

• Completion of an application form.
• Shortlisting based on the information provided in the application.
• A competitive interview, which may include a presentation and/or additional assessment exercises.
• Any other tests or exercises deemed appropriate.

Posts will be offered in order of merit following the interview process, with the highest-ranking candidates offered positions first.

Communication

All communications relating to this competition, including results, will be issued by email only.

Candidates should ensure that they provide a valid email address and regularly check their inbox.

Shortlisting

The number of applications is expected to exceed the number of available vacancies. Therefore, although candidates may meet the eligibility criteria, it may not be practical to interview everyone.

The Probation Service may operate a shortlisting process to identify candidates who appear most suitable for the role based on their qualifications and experience.

Shortlisting will be based on:

• The essential requirements of the post.
• The desirable skills, where the volume of applications significantly exceeds the number of available vacancies.

Applicants are strongly advised to provide a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications and experience in their application.

Eligibility to Compete

Eligible candidates must be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), comprising the EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland under the EU-Switzerland agreement on free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen holding a Stamp 4 visa; or
• A person granted international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or an eligible family member holding a Stamp 4 visa; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is the parent of a dependent child who is a citizen and resident of an EEA Member State, the UK, or Switzerland and who holds a Stamp 4 visa.

Candidates must satisfy these eligibility requirements by the date of any job offer.

Restrictions on EligibilityCollective Agreement – Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Individuals who availed of the ex-gratia Redundancy Payments Scheme introduced on 1 June 2012 are not eligible for re-employment within the Public Service for a period of two years following termination of employment.

Successful candidates may be required to provide evidence that the period of ineligibility has expired.

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

Retirees under the ISER scheme are not eligible to apply for another position within the same employment or sector and therefore may not apply for this position.

Department of Health and Children Circular 7/2010

Individuals who availed of the Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme are not eligible to compete in this competition.

Those who availed of the Voluntary Redundancy Scheme (VRS) are prohibited from re-employment in the Public Service for seven years and must provide evidence of eligibility if successful.

Department of Environment, Community & Local Government Circular LG(P) 06/2013

Individuals who availed of the Local Authority Voluntary Redundancy Scheme are not eligible for re-employment in any Public Service body for two years from their date of departure. This restriction also applies to engagement on a contract for service basis.

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare:

• Whether they have previously availed of a Public Service incentivised early retirement scheme.
• Any entitlement to a Public Service pension benefit, whether in payment or preserved.
• Whether they have received a payment in lieu of service from any Public Service employment.