Probation Services Officer.

[Summerlovings]

Hi, first time poster here. I was recently successful in a job interview to be a Probation Services Office. My question is do you need to be able to drive to be a Probation Services Officer? I did ask at the end of the interview if you needed your own Car/transport and the interviewer said no. But I forgot to clarify whether or not you needed to be able to drive to do the job. There is nothing in the job description that mentions about a driving licence being needed. I do have a license but it's been a long time since I've driven. Thanks in advance.

I think it might depend on the job. My friend's two DDs are probation officers. One is based in a young offenders institute and doesn't travel at all, other than to and from work. Another works with adults before sentencing, before release and after release. Most of the job involves the offenders coming to her for workshops, supervisory meetings etc. she has a particular prison she visits to meet with offenders who are about to be released. The one bit of travel she did (not sure if she still does) was travelling to meet victims of crime.

Thanks for replying. Very helpful info

You don't need to be able to drive but, if you work in the community, you will be expected to do home visits and get to multi agency meetings.

I don’t have the answer but congratulations! I have also just got a job as a probation service officer and just passed the vetting yesterday so waiting on a start date now. Can I add a question of my own? What do I wear? I thought there might be a uniform but my friend says there isn’t.

Congratulations! Driving can make it easier to get to home visits or meetings, especially if public transport is unreliable.

@Idratherbepaddleboarding Congratulations to you too. No uniform. Hi f you are in court or at formal meetings then a suit/smart clothing would be required. Day to day you can be smart/smart casual. It’s a balance of being approachable but also appropriate.

Thanks @Squeezed I’ve ordered myself my first suit! I’ve got my start date and I can’t wait!

No, no formal uniform needed. Thanks for all your input.

Hi just want to ask how long the whole process takes? Its not very clear on the websites . Like right from interview to being offered a job date . Please advise . Just had an interview for the role of pso. So was wondering how long it might take for each step to clear .

You should know the outcome quickly. If successful then make sure you complete the vetting activities quickly because this is what can delay things(you’ll get guidance on this). I’ve seen it take 6 weeks but it could be 2-3 months. Hang in there because it’s a great job.

I had my interview in October, got offered the job just less than 2 weeks later (was told it would be 2 weeks), the vetting came through on 16th December and I started on 16th January. Loving it so far!

than Very much for the info. I have passed the interview. They emailed me the provisional offer last week and asked me to upload my id’s on idvt . I haven’t heard anything since . Hopefully they’ll get back to me regarding the pre employment checks soon. Fingers crossed 🤞

Thata amazing . All they have asked is to upload my passport for id verification . Haven’t heard anything since then. Also wanted to ask if they conduct proper training before you start the role ?

Congratulations 😊
no formal wear is required except if you were going to court, home visits are a huge part of the job so please be aware that you’ll be travelling around lots, unless you’re based in a prison setting.

They don’t really tell you much until you’ve passed the vetting. There is a lot of training and at my office at least, the existing officers are really supportive.

I have recieved a caution before will that mean I fail vetting ?

No you wont fail if you mention it in your pre employment checks . You would only fail if you do not mention and they find out from their end .

Its been more than two weeks since I received the provisional offer . Upload my ids for verification . When i go on portal it still says “before we progress your application we need to check your id and right to work documents “. I called the thrice and they just say that they need to check my ids and there is no time limit to this. Haven’t received anything regarding the vetting yet.. are they usually that slow or am i some special case 🤣

I've got an interview for a PSO soon. What's it like? I'm nervous!

Its not too bad it is very laid back and the interview lasts 30 minutes and structure the answers to star and talk about previous experience in dealing with offenders if any that helps and go into as much detail as possible.

I am in my third week of employment checks not heard anything it takes between 6 to 12 weeks to complete so its very frustrating but hopefully we will pass checks in the next month or so

Thank you!! If I get it, will need to give a month's notice to my current employer anyway.
Interview later today!

@Jamie4567 Yes true .. they are pretty relaxed and take ages to progress from one step to another. I have filled my pre employment form recently and received health questionnaire as well. Now all we have to do is wait 😁. You’ll be fine mate you’re already in your third week . Just a couple more to go and you’ll hear good news soon.

@Maracamzico how did it go. You’ll get the results within a weeks time mate. I had my interview on friday and had my provisional offer email on Thursday .

How long have you been waiting for the employment checks so far?

@Jamie4567 its only been a week. I haven’t received non police vetting form though. Just the pre employment questionnaire and health questionnaire. I guess its because my vetting was already completed earlier this year for the role of prison officer . I didn’t go for that role as i failed fitness on first attempt and not sure if I’ll ever be able to pass as my bmi is on a higher side 🙈. But yeah.. I don’t know if that will speed up the process as both the checks( ctc and enhanced level 2 ) were valid for 10 years .