How to become a Probation Officer

327

102

£25,000/y

avg. starting salary

Need a new start? Put yourself on probation… Probation Officers work closely with offenders, monitoring their behaviour and overseeing their rehabilitation back into society. Their work often comes during or after sentencing, but could also include supervising offenders who received probation or community service instead of time in prison. As a result, Probation Officers can often be based outside of prisons and correctional facilities, working everywhere from courts and local offices – right through to visiting clients in their own homes. Typical duties for a Probation Officer could include:

Investigating an offender’s background, and legal history
Providing in-depth reports to help courts decide on appropriate sentencing
Making recommendations on whether prisoners should be released
Leading sessions to help offenders come to terms with their crimes and motivate change
Conducting regular meetings to assess an individual’s progress, and writing up reports
Completing risk assessments to protect against reoffending

It takes more than a keen interest in the criminal justice system and a positive mental attitude to become a Probation Officer. You’ll be dealing with people from all walks of life, many of whom may have tragic stories or might be difficult to handle. Keeping a cool head under pressure, and being able to relate to them on their level, will often be key to your success. Excellent judgement skills and the ability to maintain objectivity at all times are also absolute necessities. Other key skills for a Probation Officer include:

Empathy and compassion
Excellent communication skills
Good decision making
Patience and resilience
Attention to detail
The ability to motivate others

Probation Service Officer

Up to £25,000

Probation Officer

Up to £35,000

Senior Probation Officer

Up to £50,000

"I studied Criminology at university, and always knew I wanted to get into a position where I could help the local community. So I applied for a job with the National Probation Service, and haven’t looked back since. My day-to-day role generally consists of meeting with offenders to assess their situation and current level of risk upon release, which mainly sees me working in my local prison - although I do get out to court hearings and visit recently discharged prisoners from time to time. It can be pretty stressful, and some cases are more challenging than others. But if I’ve helped even one offender and motivated them to stay on the straight and narrow, then it’s all been worth it."

Get qualified

You’ll need to complete specialised training to become a Probation Officer, which will generally require at least a QCF Level 5 qualification (such as a degree, DipHE or higher apprenticeship) which includes modules in the criminal justice system, in order to apply. However, if you don’t have the necessary modules, don’t panic – a number of distance learning options are available in this area.

Recommended Probation Officer courses

Probation Officer Essentials

Course Line

2-Premium Course *|* 2 Free Certificates *|* Designed by Industry Experts *|* Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 25 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

...This Probation Officer training has covered all the latest topics to keep you better prepared for your Probation Officer profession. Enroll now for a successful Probation Officer career! This Probation Officer training offers Free Time Management Course This Probation Officer bundle …
£21 £23

Save 8%
Probation Officer Diploma - CPD Certified

Academy for Health & Fitness

Black Friday Sale: 20 Courses Bundle | 200 CPD Points | Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate| Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 100 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 200 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

...protection. Why Choose Our Probation Officer Training Bundle? FREE Probation Officer Training certificate accredited Get a free student ID card with Probation Officer Training Get instant access to this Probation Officer Training course. Learn Probation Officer Training from anywhere …
£109