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Probation Officer Job Description

Our Probation Officer job description includes the Probation Officer responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Probation Officer Example


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If you need an example job description for a Probation Officer download the one below, alternatively we have many other Public Sector job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Probation Officer do?

Probation officers help offenders fulfil their probation by employing various monitoring techniques and arranging additional services as may be required. They act as an intermediary between judges and offenders, track probationers' progress and make recommendations.

Probation Officer Role

We are recruiting a Probation Officer who will supervise individuals serving probation in the community, helping them stay away from crime. As a Probation Officer, your responsibilities include interviewing offenders on parole, ensuring parolees attend supervision appointments, and running group programmes to help offenders change their behaviours. Your duties also include reporting violations of probation terms and arranging post-release services and support.

Probation Officer Duties

  • Meeting with offenders about to be released from prison.
  • Ensuring parolees understand the terms and commitments of their parole.
  • Verifying compliance with drug, alcohol, and substance abuse tests.
  • Providing the necessary resources for offenders to avoid crime and rejoin the community.
  • Maintaining accurate case files and producing progress reports.
  • Reporting probation violations to the courts.

Probation Officer Requirements

  • Completion of the Professional Qualification in Probation training programme.
  • Level 5 HM Prison & Probation Service approved qualification.
  • Diploma in Probation Practice.
  • Enhanced background check pass.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Knowledge of counselling and psychology.

How to write a Probation Officer Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Probation Officer Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Probation Officer Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Probation Officer Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Probation Officer

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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