Probation Officer

Probation officers supervise people who are serving community and prison sentences and help them stay away from crime. Probation officers carry out many responsibilities on a day to day basis, these responsibilities can include interviewing offenders before sentencing and parole, making sure offenders are attending supervision appointments and are taking part in group programmes and much more. 

The main routes to get into this role are :

• A university course- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas. 

• Working toward this role- you could apply for an entry level job and work your way up. 

• Apply directly- you may be able to apply for probation jobs if you already hold a level 5 or equivalent qualification approved by HM Prison & Probation Service.

You will usually need 2-3 a levels to gain a degree. You could undertake a degree in various fields to support a career in probation work. Some of these degrees are:

• Criminology

• Psychology 

• Sociology

• Youth and community work