Probation officer job

Probation officers oversee persons who are serving their sentences in the community or in jail and assist them in staying away from criminal activity. Other names for this position are Community Corrections Officers.

How to progress into

Investigate the many entry points available for this position.

You could qualify for this position if you have:

a class taken at a university

working on filling this position

using in a direct manner

University

Foundation degrees, higher national diplomas, and degrees are all available in the following subjects:

criminology

sociology

psychology

work with young people and the community

There is a possibility that other topics are permitted.

When you have finished your current training, you will be eligible to submit an application for the Professional Qualification in Probation training program.

Entry requirements

In most cases, you will require:

1 or 2 A levels, or the equivalent, in order to be eligible for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Work

You might begin your career as an officer of the probation services, and afterwards you could:

in addition to further training on the job, you should get the Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice.

obtain valuable experience

Send in your application to take part in the training program for the Professional Qualification in Probation.

Volunteering

Before you apply for training, you will need to demonstrate that you have previous experience, either paid or volunteer, dealing with vulnerable individuals or persons whose behavior presents challenges.

What must be done

Determine the talents that will be necessary for you to succeed in this job.

Competence and familiarity

You will require:

perseverance as well as the capacity to maintain composure amid difficult circumstances

to do one's work completely and with careful attention to detail.

understanding of the field of psychology

to be adaptable and willing to go with the flow of things

the capacity to do out tasks without assistance

Counseling abilities, include attentive listening and a stance that does not pass judgment on clients

familiarity with matters pertaining to public safety and security

the capacity to comprehend the responses of other individuals

should have a sufficient level of skill in the usage of a computer and the most important software packages

What you'll do

Learn the day-to-day responsibilities that are expected of you in this capacity.

Day-to-day duties

Within the scope of this position, you could:

conduct interviews with criminals before to passing sentence or granting parole.

Make sure that offenders attend their scheduled supervision visits and participate in any group programs that are available.

Conduct programs with the goal of changing the behavior of offenders.

Conduct risk assessments and put up reports to aid decision-making for correctional facilities and parole boards.

While inmates are being considered for release, work with those who have been victims of violent or sexual crime.

engage in labor alongside incarcerees who will soon be freed

Working environment

You may be able to get employment at a jail, a court, an office, or even out in the community.

Your place of employment could put a lot of emotional strain on you.