Jobs & Careers

Careers in Probation

Warwickshire Probation has always recruited locally, throughout the year, for most vacancies.

In this section, you will find information about the different types of career available.  All vacancies will be put on the website as they become available, and many vacancies will be advertised in local newspapers.

If you are seeking employment outside Warwickshire, you should contact the Human Resources section in the Probation Trust area in which you are seeking employment or refer to their website.

How do I become a Probation Officer

From 1 April 2010 there will be a completely new route to becoming a qualified Probation Officer.  The new system is called the Probation Qualification Framework and will be implemented nationally from April 2010.

Previously there was an annual selection process and successful candidates became Trainee Probation Officers and undertook a 2 year training programme.  Now, all candidates will follow a Probation Service Officer qualification route with options to undertake the training for full Probation Officer qualification.

The arrangement provides for a Professional PSO qualification (VQ3) and a route to Probation Officer qualification through academic and vocational qualifications.  This takes just over 3 years consisting of Foundation Part 1 (similar to the Certificate Course, which existing Probation Service Officer (PSO) staff have achieved), Foundation Part 2 and the Degree Part 3.  In addition there is a one year Honours degree route for people with a relevant degree.

Over the next 5 years Warwickshire Probation Trust will be offering all current Probation Service Officers (including relevant staff in Interventions) the opportunity to carry out a VQ3 which is similar (but less complex) to the NVQ3.  There will be arrangements relating to the necessary day release and study time required.

How do I become a Probation Service Officer

You will need a genuine interest in working closely with people and being able to provide advice and guidance that may change their lives.  Probation Service Officers are involved in all the work of the Trust, but may specialise in certain areas such as hostels or community punishment.  The broad range of duties covers :

• court work
• helping with the preparation of reports
• interviewing offenders - sometimes in their own homes
• dealing with referrals for substance misuse, health and accommodation
• work or training difficulties
• arranging community work placements for offenders
• maintaining effective links with statutory and voluntary organisations
• supervising offenders within a residential hostel environment

All Probation Service Officer vacancies will be advertised on this website and in the local newspapers.

Over the next few years it is anticipated that Warwickshire Probation Trust will be recruiting a small number of PSOs, up to 3 per year.

For more information about the new Probation Qualification Framework please visit the Midlands Consortium website for more information or

email : info@npsmidlandsconsortium.org.uk 

For enquiries call HR on 01926 405839.

Administrators and Support Staff

Throughout the service we need the support of those who can provide professional support and advice to our senior managers, as well as those with good secretarial, reception and practical skills.

Finance, IT and Human Resources Units are based at our Head Office in Warwick.

Our local offices require administrative support for the probation practitioners.  This could include the production of detailed, confidential reports to be presented in court, the input and collation of statistical data, liaising with external agencies and reception duties.

The generous benefits package includes flexible working, 25 days annual leave, 8 public holidays and an excellent contributory pension scheme.  Vacancies can be found on the website or in the local press.