Description
Probation officers work to rehabilitate offenders. They supervise, counsel and help them before trial, during any prison or community sentence and on release from prison.Main Tasks
- Produces pre-sentence reports to the court about an individual’s crime, their personal circumstances, the suitability of sentencing, the likelihood of re-offending and the future risk to the public;
- Enforces court orders and serves the public by providing a wide range of supervision programmes for those in receipt of a community sentence;
- Draws up probation plans with offenders and helps them follow it, advises them on any work and helps them with any family or social problems;
- Works with prisoners in giving advice on problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, addressing training needs, finding work and getting accommodation;
- Keeps accurate and comprehensive records.
Qualifications
Candidates are recruited with a variety of academic qualifications or with relevant experience. In England and Wales all candidates must complete a two-year Diploma in Probation studies. There is a minimum age limit of 20 years to undertake training. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, entry requirements are the same as for social workers. Background checks including a CRB check are required.What Probation officers studied in higher education
Occupation | Percentage Value |
---|---|
(L4) Social policy | 1 |
(L3) Sociology | 16 |
(C8) Psychology | 9 |
(L2) Politics | 2 |
(B7) Nursing | 1 |
(M1) Law by area | 1 |
(M2) Law by topic | 5 |
(L5) Social work | 63 |
(L6) Anthropology | 2 |