Probation officer

As a probation officer, you could:

• interview offenders before sentencing or parole
•  make sure offenders attend supervision appointments and rehabilitation programmes
•  run programmes designed to change offenders' behaviour
•  assess risks and write reports to help prisons and parole review boards make decisions
•  work with victims of crime when prisoners are considered for parole
•  help clients to get work or training, housing, or drug and alcohol treatment
•  work closely with other agencies to manage risks and reduce reoffending

• knowledge of public safety and security 
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

After further training, you could specialise in working with certain groups, like high-risk prisoners or those who have committed sexual offences.

With experience, you could become a senior probation officer.

Further promotion usually means moving into management and away from direct work with offenders. You could also become an area manager.