At a Glance
- Tasks: Support offenders in turning their lives around and build rapport quickly.
- Company: Join a diverse team making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and enrolment in a pension scheme.
- Other info: Receive ongoing support from a friendly team throughout your training.
- Why this job: Change lives while gaining a professional qualification and valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or above required; experience with challenging behaviour is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 35130 £ per year.
About the role
Our people come from a variety of backgrounds, so there’s no single type of probation officer. To join, you’ll need emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. You’ll also need to be the kind of person who can build rapport quickly and de‑escalate potentially volatile situations. As well as being happy to self‑manage, you should have passion for and commitment to your work. Excellent report‑writing skills are also a must. Lastly, you should have some experience of working with people who’ve demonstrated challenging behaviour. It doesn’t matter whether it’s paid or voluntary – just that it involves the kind of behaviour we see from offenders.
Qualifications
To apply, you’ll need a recognised Level 3 qualification or above, such as an A level, access to higher educational diploma, advanced apprenticeship, applied general or AS level. It doesn’t matter what subject your Level 3 qualification is in.
Learning Programme
We offer different learning programmes depending on the level of qualification you hold. These range from 15 months for graduates with a level 5 qualification to 27 months for our non‑graduate programme.
Salary & Status
£26,475 – £35,130 Permanent Full time. NEW Trainee Probation Officer Programme: Training salary of £26,475 (during training), moving to £35,130 once in a qualified probation officer role. There is a London weighting allowance of £4,249 which is additional to these salaries.
Why this role?
An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
What you’ll do
As a probation officer, you can change lives. Working with offenders in the community, in prisons and in courts – you’ll support them to get back on track and turn their lives around. You’ll also gain a professional qualification with our support, along with a competitive salary, generous leave and great training.
Benefits
You’ll receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme. Under the scheme you would make contributions of around 6.5% of the pay you receive, with employer contributions of around 29.6% of your pay. You’ll also be part of a supportive, diverse and friendly team environment, with support and guidance from your divisional training manager, your line manager and practice tutor throughout your studies.
Trainee Probation Officer Programme in Whickham employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Trainee Probation Officer, where your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. With a competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive training programmes tailored to your qualifications, you'll have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and resilience, ensuring you receive the guidance and support needed to thrive in this rewarding role.
Contact Details:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Probation Officer Programme in Whickham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what probation officers do and the challenges they face. This will help you connect with interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your emotional intelligence skills! Think of examples from your past where you've successfully built rapport or de-escalated tense situations. These stories will be gold during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former probation officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insights and might even give you a heads-up about job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Probation Officer Programme in Whickham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! In your application, share why you’re drawn to working with people who have challenging behaviours. A genuine passion can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Whether it’s paid or voluntary, make sure to mention any experience you have working with individuals displaying challenging behaviour. We want to know how you've handled tough situations and built rapport!
Nail the Report Writing:Since excellent report-writing skills are a must, take the time to showcase your writing abilities in your application. Clear, concise, and well-structured responses will show us you’ve got what it takes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our learning programmes there.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a probation officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and challenges that come with working with offenders. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
Since emotional intelligence is crucial for this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging behaviours or de-escalated tense situations. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to connect with people and handle pressure.
✨Practice Your Report-Writing Skills
As excellent report-writing skills are a must, consider bringing a sample report or written piece to discuss during the interview. This not only shows your writing ability but also gives you a chance to talk about your attention to detail and how you communicate effectively in writing.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training programmes, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
