What is the average probation officer salary?

As trained social workers, probation officers work with those who break the law by ensuring that the offenders follow the conditions of their release from custody. In the UK, approximately 225,000 are on probation and these offenders are monitored as they interact with the society. This article, which tells what the average probation officer salary is, can help a person to decide if this line of work is for him/her.

Hours worked

Probation officers typically work between 37-40 hours weekly. While most of these hours are regular office hours, there may be times when they are required to work in the evenings or on the weekends. These professionals should be prepared for unexpected calls in the event that one of the their cases get in trouble and/or needs counselling to stay out of trouble. Some offices allow probation officers to schedule their own daily working hours as long as they work the 37-40 hours required every week.

Probation services officer (PSO)

Probation Services Officers (PSO) are rookie probation officers. These individuals join the force through a local probation trust and learn the trade under the watchful eye of more experienced officers. Usually, to be accepted into the PSO programme, an individual needs to have some level of experience with offenders or with other vulnerable groups. This experience can be gained through volunteering with victim support groups, visiting prisoners and/or working with youth offenders. These officers are expected to pass certifications and tests within a specified amount of time to become fully qualified. PSOs make between £19,000 and £26,000 yearly.

Qualified probation officers

Fully trained probation officers, also known as qualified probation officers, have completed all the certifications and training necessary to be considered fully qualified and ready to work in the field. These individuals can work unsupervised but are regularly evaluated to ensure that they are providing the best quality work that they can. These professionals advise courts as to whether an individual has kept to his or her terms of probation and they also work with victims of crimes perpetuated by offenders. Qualified probation officers make between £26,000 to £35,000 every year. References - Probation officer (Prospects.ac.uk) - Ministry of Justice - National Offender Management Services: London Probation Trust (London-probation.org.uk) - Directgov: Sentencing, prison and probation (Direct.gov.uk) - Next Step: Probation Officer - All Information (Nextstep.direct.gov.uk)