So, let’s begin with the definition of criminal justice, “criminal justice is the delivery of justice to those who have been accused of committing crimes… goals include the rehabilitation of offenders, preventing other crimes, and moral support for victims.” Perhaps, when you think of the Criminal Justice System, you may automatically think of Police Officers, but there are in fact many divisions and job roles under the Criminal Justice umbrella. At Service Care Solutions (SCS) we offer jobs in multiple sectors, being one of the market leaders in the Substance Misuse division. If you want to discover more and delve further into the world of criminal justice, then you’re in the right place!
What Are the Different Sectors in Criminal Justice?
Within the criminal justice system, there are multiple different sectors covered by SCS, we specialise in working with the Police, Probation Service, Secure & Prison services, and substance misuse providers. The roles vary from operational support to qualified and specialist positions. Although some roles require qualifications as a pre-requisite, we do support the sector in many experienced or entry-level roles.
What Jobs are on Offer in the Sector?
Overall, the Police Force is a large sector with 45 ‘territorial’ forces in the U.K and 3 ‘special’ police forces (Police. UK). In our agency, we recruit for a wide range of roles, including
Police Admin
Clerical
Non-Operational support
IT
Clinical-Based Roles
Typically, as an agency our main specialism within Police recruitment is to support forces with the supply of Investigators, these roles are carried out by ex-officers and require significant experience and specialist qualifications. We also provide staff to the many different police support functions including 999 Call Handlers, IT support, and general admin positions. If you’re new to the industry and looking to venture the route of a police officer, it may be reassuring to know the future pathway. Other roles, within the Police Force, include working in the offices, for example, taking emergency 999 calls, yet this job has no specific entry requirements, it’s more solely based upon an individual’s qualities.
What Does Working in the Probation Sector involve?
“The Probation Service is a statuary criminal justice service that supervises offenders released into the community.” Jobs within the Probation Service are ever-increasing, in June 2021 the government announced the recruitment of 1,000 probation officers, all of whom work to maintain a safer environment. Within our agency, we recruit for numerous roles including Probation Officers, Probation Service Officers, Health, and well-being, and unpaid work. Although to work as a Probation Officer (P.O), candidates are required to have completed the necessary probation qualification, however, for those wanting to work in the field without this, there is the opportunity to work as a Probation Service Officer where suitable GCSE qualifications and relevant experience are the necessary requirements. s. While working as a PSO, you’ll be earning a minimum of £22,000 a year, and be supervising those considered as low risk. On the other hand, a P.O. will have a target responsibility, interview offenders, ensure offenders attend appointments, assess risks, and write reports, in this case, you are required to have a level 6 equivalent qualification. As a P.O., typically the salary will begin at £30,208 with the opportunity to progress to a Senior with a higher pay rate.
Can You Work in Prison without Qualifications?
Although in prison, there are multiple jobs that require a qualification, such as a clinical nurse, there are also roles that are based more around lived or work experience, all roles within the Prison service require individuals to pass Ministry of Justice vetting. To work under the role of a Recovery Worker, there are no set entry requirements, however, some employers may ask for relevant experience in substance misuse. Support workers will manage a variety of issues such as;
Homelessness
Substance Misuse
Social Exclusion
Challenging Behaviour,
Unemployment
Often, these roles are more based around providing offenders with guidance and support to assist them in preparing for release and successful positive re-integration into the community. Moreover, the role of a prison officer offers those wanting to explore the opportunity of working with offenders to gain employment without previous qualifications as the role is more based upon individual qualities, however, you’ll complete an assessment and interview to ensure you’re suitable. Generally, day-to-day tasks as a prison officer include security checks, external visits to prisoners, maintaining order, and preparing prisoners for release. As an experienced prison officer, you may earn up to £38,165 per annum.
Where to go next?
If, after reading this, you think a job within Criminal Justice is suited to you, then what are you waiting for?
We are continuously on the hunt for ambitious job seekers within this sector, and we currently have many roles available.
If you’re wanting to find out more about Criminal Justice, and whether this industry is for you, have a read on the government website.
Don’t forget to also have a look at our candidate testimonials for our Criminal Justice sector over on our website.
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