Youth offending team officer

You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in:

• youth work
• youth justice
• social work
• criminology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do a Youth Justice Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

You'll need paid or voluntary experience of working with young people, and sometimes adults, in challenging situations. This could include work in hostels, special schools, family support teams, residential childcare or youth services.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You can start by volunteering to work with young people. For example, mentoring will give you an understanding of the issues they face.

You can also support young people in the criminal justice system by volunteering as an appropriate adult . Opportunities and training are organised locally.

You can get more information on volunteering opportunities in your area from Do-it and at NCVO .

You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and a qualification in:

• youth work
• probation
• social work
• policing

Further information

You'll find more details about working with young people, training and volunteering through the Youth Justice Board .

As a youth offending team officer, you could:

• carry out risk assessments and manage risk of reoffending
• prepare reports for the courts before sentencing
• provide support to young people to prevent reoffending
• make referrals to other agencies like housing, or drug and alcohol misuse services
• supervise young offenders on court orders, community sentences, and after release from secure institutions
• help young offenders take up education, work and training opportunities
• encourage young people to take part in constructive activities
• visit young people in secure institutions

You could work in a court, at a client's home, in a prison, in the community, at a police station or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.