Within this section of the website you will be able to find out information about any current vacancies and further information regarding the types of careers in Probation.

If you have any difficulties or require any further information please call the HR Officer on 01305 752628 or 01202 307269 or email:

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Types of Careers

Careers within Dorset Probation Trust, range from Probation Officers to IT, HR and Admin.

Below is a short description of a few roles in the service.

For more information on Careers in Probation please read the attached document.

Careers in Probation

Qualified Probation Officer (PO)

A qualified Probation Officer has successfully gained the DIPSW / CQSW (Diploma in Probation Studies), which is a two-year training programme and is a recognised professional qualification. A PO works directly with offenders. Are you are looking for a challenge and the opportunity to make a difference? You will need strong reasoning skills, sound judgement and analytical skills along with the ability to motivate and encourage offenders to take steps to make significant and difficult changes to their lives.

Salary band for a qualified Probation Officer is: Band 4

Probation Service Officer (PSO)

A PSO assists with the work of Probation Officers. This role does not require a professional qualification, but relies more on the skills and experience already acquired by the individual. This role is for those who are motivated by working closely with others providing advice and guidance to enable others to bring about change within their lives.

Salary band for a Probation Service Officer is: Band 3

Trainee Probation Officer (TPO)

This is a two-year training programme leading to the Diploma in Probation Studies and is an integrated award made up of a BA (Hons) degree in Community Justice and a National Vocational Qualification in Community Justice (NVQ) at Level 4.

Please note that this training scheme is shortly to be replaced. Further details will be provided as they become available.

Starting salary band for a Trainee Probation Officer is: Band 2

Central Support Function

Frontline services are only successful if they are supported by an efficient administration function. Support Services is comprised of Finance, HR, IT, Management and Administration and is based at our Headquarters in Poole, Dorset.