Youth Offending Officer

Work with young people in the justice system to reduce reoffending and support change.

This UK youth offending officer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£28,000 - £35,000
Mid-career salary
£35,000 - £45,000
Senior salary
£50,000 - £65,000
Work environment
Office, community or institutional setting
Time to entry
1 - 3 years
Degree required
Often required
Category
Public Sector and Emergency Services

What a Youth Offending Officer does

Work with young people in the justice system to reduce reoffending and support change.

How to become a Youth Offending Officer

  1. Look up Youth Offending Officer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Youth Offending Officer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Safeguarding
  • Risk assessment
  • Empathy
  • Multi-agency working
  • Resilience