Chris Barney has worked as a Probation Service Officer for two years
Before I joined the Probation Service I worked as a management consultant in the hosiery industry. I made a decision that I wanted to work with people in my local community. I wanted something that would be fulfilling. Life in general had gone pretty well, and when things hadn't, someone had been there for me. Not everyone has that support when events turn bad.
On the work
My job is very varied and I see the whole spectrum of Probation work. I attend court every week - seeing people at the start of their orders, and who have been returned because they have broken the conditions of their sentence.
I also act as a Case Manager for offenders who require resettlement work as they adjust to living in the community. As a Case Manager you need to be a fairly outgoing personality. It involves liaising with other agencies to secure a variety of services that may be required by a particular offender. So it's important to build up your own contacts and database.
Although the Probation Service is governed by National Standards and targets, there are opportunities to bring your own experiences into play. I've also enjoyed being part of a team. My colleagues are a good lot and are always there to give advice when you need it.
