Probation services officer

Key benefits (Back to top)

• Support offenders to turn their lives around
• Work in your local community
• Excellent career progression opportunities
• Pathway to qualified probation officer role

What is a probation services officer? (Back to top)

Probation services officers (PSOs) work alongside qualified probation officers to support people on probation to change their behaviour and reduce reoffending. You’ll have your own caseload of lower-risk individuals and assist probation officers with more complex cases.

PSO vs probation officer – what’s the difference? (Back to top)

Probation services officer (PSO)	Probation officer (PO)
GCSEs grade C or equivalent required	Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) required
£24,000-£26,500 starting	£28,000-£35,000 starting
Lower-risk caseload	All risk levels including high-risk
Support qualified probation officers	Lead on case management
Excellent entry role into probation	Role after completing trainee probation officer programme (PQiP)

Many PSOs progress to become qualified probation officers after gaining
experience and undertaking the trainee probation officer programme.

Why choose a career as a PSO? (Back to top)

Make a Direct Impact

Your work helps people turn their lives around and protects communities by reducing reoffending. You’ll see tangible results from your support and guidance.

Job Security and Stability

As a Civil Service role, you’ll enjoy excellent job security, comprehensive benefits, and the stability that comes with working for a respected government service.

Career Development Pathway

This role is an excellent entry point into a career in the Probation Service. Many PSOs progress to qualified probation officer positions, with the organisation supporting your professional development.

What you’ll do – working as a PSO (Back to top)

Key responsibilities (Back to top)

• Manage caseload of lower-risk individuals on probation
• Conduct regular appointments and monitor compliance
• Make referrals to support services (housing, employment, substance misuse)
• Complete risk assessments and case records
• Liaise with partner agencies and family members
• Support probation officers with higher-risk cases
• Attend court hearings and write reports when required
• Help people access education, training, and employment

Salary, benefits and rewards (Back to top)

Competitive salary

Starting salary of £24,000 – £26,500 for a 37-hour week, with London weighting allowance of £4,249 where applicable. Regular pay reviews ensure your salary remains competitive.

Benefits package

Local government pension

• One of the best pension schemes available
• Employer contributions and guaranteed benefits

Annual leave

• 25 days plus 8 public holidays
• Increases with length of service up to 30 days

Flexible Working

• Hybrid working options available
• Flexible hours arrangements
• Part-time opportunities in many locations

Learning and development

• Comprehensive training programmes
• Professional qualifications support
• Probation officer progression pathway
• Continuous professional development

Training and career development (Back to top)

Initial training programme

Your first 12 weeks include comprehensive induction covering probation practice fundamentals, risk assessment and management, motivational interviewing techniques, safeguarding requirements, and case management systems. You’ll shadow experienced staff and gradually build your own caseload.

Ongoing development

• Regular supervision and case discussions
• Training in specialist areas (domestic abuse, substance misuse)
• Communication and conflict resolution skills
• Court skills and report writing
• Partnership working and referral processes

Career progression (Back to top)

Many probation services officers progress to:

Year 1-3: PSO development:

• Build expertise and confidence
• Take on more complex cases
• Develop specialist knowledge areas

Years 3-5: Senior PSO or Probation Officer Route

• Senior PSO roles with mentoring responsibilities (£27,000-£30,000)
• Or apply for the trainee probation officer programme
• Organisation supports progression with study time and funding

Years 5+: Qualified Probation Officer

• Complete Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP)
• Progress to £35,000+ salary
• Manage all risk levels including high-risk cases

How to apply – your journey to PSO (Back to top)

Step-by-step application process

• Online Application – Complete our application form with your experience, skills and motivation
• Sift Stage – Applications reviewed against essential criteria (typically 2 weeks)
• Assessment Centre – Group exercises, written task, and interview (half-day)
• Pre-Employment Checks – References, enhanced DBS check, and security clearance
• Start Date – Join your team and begin training

Timeline

From application to start date: typically 10-14 weeks, including security clearance.

What we’re looking for

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Empathy and non-judgmental approach
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Resilience and ability to maintain boundaries
• Understanding of criminal justice issues

No degree required – we value your interpersonal skills and life experience, providing full professional training.

Frequently asked questions (Back to top)

Do I need a degree to be a PSO?

No. PSO roles are open to anyone with strong interpersonal skills and relevant experience. We provide full training. Minimum requirement is GCSEs grade C or equivalent.

Is it safe working with offenders?

Yes. PSOs work with lower-risk individuals and most appointments are in probation offices. You receive comprehensive safety training and follow clear protocols. Serious incidents are rare and there are safety measures in place.

What if people don’t turn up to appointments?

Non-attendance is managed through clear procedures. You’ll document breaches and work with probation officers to determine appropriate responses, which may include court action.

Can I work part-time?

Yes, part-time opportunities are available in many locations.

How do I become a probation officer from PSO?

After gaining experience as a PSO, you can apply for the trainee probation officer programme (PQiP). The organisation supports this progression.

What’s a typical caseload size?

PSOs typically manage 40-60 cases, though this varies by area and case complexity. You’ll build your caseload gradually during training.

Related career opportunities (Back to top)

Explore other roles that might interest you:

• Trainee Probation Officer – £28,000 – £35,000 (progression route from PSO available)
• Case Administrator – £23,000 – £25,000
• Approved Premises Worker – £25,000 – £30,000
• Programme Facilitator – £26,000 – £32,000

Current vacancies (Back to top)

View all live PSO positions.

Job alerts (Back to top)

Register your interest to get notified when new PSO positions in your area become available.