Receptionist – Probation Service

Receptionist – Probation Service (PDU Gateshead and South Tyneside) | Gateshead, North East Overview The Probation Service (PS) Directorate within HMPPS is recruiting a Receptionist to provide front‑of‑house and administrative support. Based in Gateshead, this role is the first point of contact for visitors and people on probation, ensuring professional reception services and supporting wider office functions. Key Details Job Title: Receptionist Employer: Probation Service (PDU Gateshead and South Tyneside, 2021) Location: Gateshead, North East, UK Salary: £23,583 – £25,210 per annum Hours: Full‑Time (37 hours/week, excluding unpaid breaks; includes unsocial hours) Contract Type: Permanent Closing Date: 12 December 2025 Civil Service Grade: Other Number of Roles: 1 Reserve List: 12 months Work Location: Office‑based, with hybrid arrangements possible (UK only) Role Overview Receptionists provide an effective first point of contact for visitors, people on probation, and staff. The role includes reception duties, building logistics, health and safety responsibilities, and administrative support for probation teams. Receptionists must demonstrate professionalism, situational awareness, and the ability to diffuse challenging situations. Key Responsibilities Greet visitors and people on probation professionally; log arrivals/departures; issue passes and fobs Use tact and diplomacy to diffuse potentially violent situations; elevate safeguarding concerns appropriately Answer enquires about probation services and local support (e.g., food banks); refer technical queries to managers Manage building logistics: mail, PPE, stationery, deliveries, meeting room bookings, hot desks, car parking Handle petty cash, travel warrants, and bus fares for people on probation Support building health and safety: act as key holder, test fire/panic alarms, monitor CCTV, assist evacuations, act as Fire Warden/First Aider Log building faults/incidents; elevate maintenance issues; escort contractors/visitors when required Provide confidential administrative support: update files, input data, produce documents, scan/archive sensitive information Required Skills and Experience Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications Excellent verbal and written communication skills Desirable Experience in the criminal justice field Prior work in high‑pressure environments Customer relations experience IT qualifications (ECDL/CLAIT) or equivalent experience Qualifications Essential: GCSE A*-C (or equivalent) in Maths and English (and Welsh where applicable), or proven track record in a similar role Desirable: IT qualification equivalent (ECDL/CLAIT) Hours of Work Standard full‑time hours: 37 hours/week Includes unsocial hours with additional payments Requirement to cover late night reporting (until 7pm, once per week) Expectation to cover other office locations within Gateshead and South Tyneside PDU Benefits Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus public holidays Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) Training: Extensive staff development and training opportunities Networks: Access to employee‑run networks (minority ethnic, disability, carers, women, LGBTQ+) Hybrid Working: Possible subject to business need (minimum 60% office‑based) Equal Opportunities The Ministry of Justice is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds. Eligibility All candidates subject to security and identity checks prior to appointment New entrants join at entry point salary for the band Existing Civil Servants’ salary calculated under pay transfer/promotion rules How to Apply Click here to Apply via the Civil Service Jobs portal before the closing date. Application Deadline 12 December 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr