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Is being a probation officer a good fit for you?

Supports people who have broken the law and are on probation or released early, and advises the court on what should happen.

What the work involves

  • Prepares and keeps a case folder for each assigned offender.
  • Gathers information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to them, their families, friends and others.
  • Interviews offenders regularly to check their progress on goals and release conditions.
  • Discusses with offenders how drug, alcohol or anger problems may have played a part in their crimes.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be helping, organising and persuading. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingStrong. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingSome. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingSome. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Belonging. People who look out for each other, and a manager who has your back.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a probation officer is one of yours.

Free. About 15 minutes. No account.

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