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.

Entry Reqirements

Level 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE

Typical Tasks

• Keeps accurate and comprehensive records.
• Works with prisoners in giving advice on problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, addressing training needs, finding work and getting accommodation.
• 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.
• Enforces court orders and serves the public by providing a wide range of supervision programmes for those in receipt of a community sentence.
• Produces pre-sentence reports to the court about an individual.

Desired Skills

Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Active Listening, Learning Strategies, Speaking, Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Mathematics, Science