Probation services officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You'll need GCSEs in English and maths to apply for jobs and most colleges offer these if you do not already have them.

Taking a course in public services or youth work practice might also give you some understanding of the justice system, though this is not essential.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

You may be able to start as a case administrator in a probation office, then do on-the-job training to become a probation services officer.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for job vacancies with probation services.

You'll usually need:

• experience of working with vulnerable people or people who have challenging behaviour
• excellent communications skills
• a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths

You can get experience through volunteering or paid work with charities that support ex-offenders, or by contacting your local probation service for opportunities.

If you're successful with your application, you'll train on the job. You'll do the Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice during your first 12 months to qualify as a probation services officer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• leadership skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Probation services officers (PSOs) supervise people serving community and prison sentences who are considered to be low risk.

As a probation services officer, you could:

• assess the risk an offender may pose to the public
• prepare court and management reports
• run individual or group sessions to challenge offending behaviour
• help clients get work or training, housing, or drug and alcohol treatment
• support offenders before and after prison release and manage them in the community
• supervise residents living in approved accommodation
• support victims of crime

Location : You could work in the community, in a prison, in a court or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a manager, with responsibility for a team of probation services officers.

You may also get opportunities to work in other parts of the justice system, or train to be a probation officer .