Probation services officer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Probation services officers (PSOs) supervise people serving community and prison sentences who are considered to be 'low-risk'.

  • Prepare and maintain case folder for each assigned inmate or offender.
  • Gather information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to offenders, their families and friends, and other people who have relevant information.
  • Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in
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Probation services officers typically work around 37 to 39 hours per week.

As a Probation services officer you will typically work evenings / weekends.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical,
Read more about Probation services officer
* from ONETonline
Average salary
31,578 GBP *
per year
22,039 GBP
27,373 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Probation services officer

  • 31,925 GBP
  • 31,277 GBP
Average salary for full-time Probation services officer

Showing:
  • 31,578 GBP
  • 31,277 GBP
  • 31,925 GBP
Salary over time for Probation services officer

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 32,182 GBP
  • 32,012 GBP
  • 26,478 GBP
  • 27,100 GBP
  • 32,819 GBP
  • 33,771 GBP
  • 31,578 GBP
  • 35,332 GBP
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Future outlook for Probation services officers

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Balanced outlook
8 000+ jobs available
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Balanced outlook
1% yearly wage growth (on average)
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Very good outlook
26% chance of automation in the future

Probation services officer - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Probation services officer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • 64% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
  • 10% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
  • 9% of people in this role have do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications

You may find it helps your application if you take a college course like:

  • a diploma in public services
  • a qualification in youth and community work
  • A levels

You'll need:

  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of psychology
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work on your own
  • customer service skills
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Probation services officer

Policing

Things to highlight for your Probation services officer interview

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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