Probation Officer Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Probation Officer includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Supervising junior staff
  • Helping with the rehabilitation of ex-offenders into the community
  • Organising and overseeing community service work
  • ‘Befriending’ and counselling offenders and their families
  • Helping offenders come to terms with custodial sentences
  • Undertaking one-to-one and group work activities
  • Visiting offenders at home, in court, prison, hostels or other penal institutions
  • Supporting the victims of some violent or sexual crimes
  • Liaising with the police, social services etc.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Probation Officer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Probation Officer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.