Community Service Manager, Higher Executive Officer

Introduction

An opportunity now exists for suitably qualified and committed individuals to take up the role of Community Service Manager (Higher Executive Officer grade) with the Probation Service.

Applicants who are successful in this competition will be placed on a panel, in order of merit, which may be drawn upon to fill future roles.

This is an excellent opportunity for suitably qualified individuals to shape the creative practices within the employing organisation.

It is a key development within the ‘Community Service - New Directions Implementation Plan 2025-2027’, which will revitalise and expand the use of community service as a sanction through implementing new structures. The establishment of the Community service Manager (HEO) role is a key foundation to the new structure.

Location: We currently have vacancies Cork. If you are successful in this competition you will be placed on a panel in order of merit from which vacancies will be filled. A panel for future vacancies in other Regions - (Dublin, Kilkenny & Athlone) will be formed.

Closing Date: 5pm, Wednesday 01st July 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 Community Service Manager role by completing the online application via the 'Apply Now' button below.

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 in their region. This role will also be responsible for a wide range of tasks in Community Service delivery, administrative and support tasks within the region.

The duties of a Community Service Manager include (but are not limited to);

• Effective line management and leadership to the team of Community Service Supervisors, EOs and COs assigned to the region and be accountable for the quality delivery of high standards of practice and team performance
• Support the recruitment, induction and proactively manage staff development including individual PMDS, performance, attendance management, training needs, employee relations and diversity matters in line with HR policies.
• Provide estate management oversight of community service sites run by Community Service Supervisors and individual sites/placements operating in partnership with host organisations.
• Ensure that Community Service operations meet all requirements under relevant legislation including Health & Safety and models of best practice including Public Sector Duty.
• Work with the Health and National Safety unit to ensure that working practices meet statutory requirements and to actively support and provide leadership in relation to Accident & Incident recording and review and introduction of necessary improvements.
• Oversee the development and assessment of suitable community service projects and provide leadership and direction in collaboration with partner agencies and key stakeholders, representing the Probation Service as appropriate to the role.
• Be accountable for asset and fleet management and equipment within the region and ensure the most efficient means of service delivery by aligning resources to demand in a cost effective way.
• Networking within the region and engaging with a range of community partners including Local Authority / County Council forums, funded Community Based organisations and other community based services and organisations to promote Community Service and generate new work opportunities
• Oversee statistical and administrative duties by the team
• Contribute to the achievement of the Probation Service’s strategic aims and goals including the Community Service: New Directions Implementation Plan.
• Participate on relevant working groups and other forums.

The role of Community Service Manager requires core personal attributes including:

Essential Requirements

Candidates must have:

• have two years relevant work experience in the areas of Community Service, or similar organisations interfacing with offenders.

And

• Full clean driving licence with the ability to travel between offices and Community Service sites;
• Demonstrated capacity to work to deadlines;
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to interface collegially and effectively with others and foster good working relationships;
• Proficient computer skills with a high-level of competency in MS Office packages (Word, PowerPoint, Excel);
• Project management skills;
• Experience of Health and Safety protocols;
• Facilities or site management experience;
• The ability to work collaboratively in a complex stakeholder environment, with strong stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills (not essential)

• Hold a qualification in facilities management, health and safety or another related discipline

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate the HEO grade competencies set out overleaf.