Becoming a probation officer

[Mr $quandaŁot]

With my current industry declining day by day, I have recently looked into changing careers.

I have now come up with an idea of retraining as a probation officer.

I believe you normally start as a probation services officer and then train for a degree or postgraduate award in Community Justice.

My degree in Media & Communications might not be too relevant but I would contemplate studying from scratch if required.

Does anyone have any experience and/or advice? Would greatly appreciate.

[nemesis45]

Re: Becoming a probation officer

With my current industry declining day by day, I have recently looked into changing careers.

I have now come up with an idea of retraining as a probation officer.

I believe you normally start as a probation services officer and then train for a degree or postgraduate award in Community Justice.

My degree in Media & Communications might not be too relevant but I would contemplate studying from scratch if required.

Does anyone have any experience and/or advice? Would greatly appreciate.

An admirable ambition, have you checked advertised post? I do know that like other such
posts financial restriction has seen numbers dwindle.

take a look at justice.gov
The above would be my first action check what's available in your area, adverts will give you
an idea of what of what the job is all about and what qualifications /experience is required / expected.
nem

[Berniethebolt]

Re: Becoming a probation officer

Like many services the probation service is being privatised as this government continues to roll back the frontiers of the state . As such i can see the chances of doing good getting dimmer and dimmer and the prospect of being required to turn a profit increasing.

Being a probation officer is not an easy job and you need to be streetwise and strong emotionally as one sign of perceived weakness and word will soon get round. As you have a degree I can see no bar to you applying but you will of course need to gain another degree and I am not sure how that is funded

[nemesis45]

Re: Becoming a probation officer

National Probation Service & Changes coming in 2016.
Entry is via a 4 years Honours Degree Course in Social Work.
Loads of info on line.
Just search " Becoming a Probation Officer".

nem

[Berniethebolt]

Re: Becoming a probation officer

Sadly according to the site there will be no new recruitment until the process is complete and with this governments track record , how long is a piece of string

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/probation_officer_entry_requirements.htm

No doubt when it is complete there will be a flurry of recruitment but depends if you can wait

According to the website the degree in social work is needed for NI and not England or Wales

[davisgraham]

Re: Becoming a probation officer

Hi,
I appreciate your decision to become a probation officer. Here are some basic requirements are:-

• Between 20 and 38 years of age
• Superior physical, emotional and mental health
• U.S. citizenship
• Valid driver’s license
• No felony conviction

Thanks!!

[ostell]

Re: Becoming a probation officer

I think the question is UK based