Jobs & Careers

Careers in Probation

In this section, you will find information about the different types of career available, and vacancies will be posted here as they become available.

If you are seeking employment outside of the Derbyshire area, you should contact the Human Resources section in the area in which you are seeking employment.

From 1st April, 2010 the training programme for the Probation Service changed.  Previously the qualification for people to work as Probation Officers was the Diploma in Probation Studies.  Whilst still recognised, this qualification route is no longer available to new entrants.

In its place is the Probation Qualifications Framework (PQF). This framework has been designed to allow staff to progress through ascending levels of qualification so that they can be qualified either as a Probation Services Officer or a Probation Officer, the two main operational roles which deal directly with offenders.  Details of these roles (and the differences between them), together with the elements of the PQF can be found in the leaflet entitled Access to Probation Qualifications (click here).  The qualifications will be gained during employment with the Service.

It should be noted therefore that the first step to take on pursuing these qualifications and a career in the Probation Service as a PSO or PO, will be to join the Service as an unqualified PSO at one of the specified entry points.  Derbyshire Probation Trust will recruit to fill vacancies as and when they occur and will advertise these vacancies on this website, in addition to other media.

On successful completion of the entire PQF, PSOs will be fully qualified to apply for PO positions as they become available.  It should be noted however that progression through the ascending levels of qualification within the PQF will be subject to a selection process designed to meet the workforce needs of the Local Probation Trust.  As such some PSOs will not be supported to train beyond a new minimum necessary qualification which will be the Level 3 Vocational Qualification Diploma in Probation Practice.

Our Human Resources staff at Derbyshire Headquarters will be able to provide more details of recruitment plans in our area.  They can be contacted on 01629 55422.

Visit Consortium website for more information on training opptions

email : info@npsmidlandsconsortium.org.uk

The Probation Service seeks people who are passionate about protecting the public, reducing re-offending and helping ex-offenders back into meaningful roles within their local communities.

Probation Officer

You will need strong analytical and reading skills, sound judgement and the ability to motivate people to make significant and difficult changes to their lives.

If you have a Diploma in Social Work and experience in working with offenders, you can also join directly and assume your own caseload and a wide range of responsibilities that reflect our varied work.

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 service, 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.

No formal educational qualifications are required for Probation Service Officer candidates, and there is no upper age limit for people wishing to apply. Vacancies can be found here or in the local press.

Administrators and Support Staff

Throughout the service we need people 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 Headquarters in Matlock Bath, along with the main decision-making team. They need to be constantly researching and processing data, ensuring that the probation system works efficiently, and contributing to further improvement.

The 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 here or in the local press.