Working with Young Offenders

Originally written by Emma-Jane Batey, updated by the editorial team on 4th April 2026

There are a number of opportunities to work with young offenders, all of which require dedication, determination, motivation and a non-judgemental and supportive attitude. Any person wishing to work with young offenders must be dedicated to the practical and positive rehabilitation of young people, without labelling or discrimination.

Types of Jobs Available

The majority of roles working with young offenders are based in some sort of secure unit, semi-secure unit or institution, with high levels of regulation and administration required to maintain tight rehabilitation programmes. The roles are mostly demanded by local authorities and/or the Prison Service, although there are also charities, youth groups and religious organisations that recruit people to work with young offenders.

People who work with young offenders in a supervisory capacity are required to be graduates with training and/or qualifications approved by relevant professional bodies. Specific qualification requirements may vary by employer and role. There are also a few universities offering specific degrees related to working with young offenders, although these particular courses are not required to apply, with relevant degrees such as psychology or teaching more than welcome.

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Skills & Responsibilities

Skills required to work with young offenders are varied, as befits such a responsible role; a role that can have a great impact on often disadvantaged young people who have fallen into difficult circumstances. It is most important not to be judgemental, either of the young offender or their family situation, but to offer support and positivity to aid rehabilitation. The overriding focus of the role of someone working with young offenders is to prevent or at least reduce the potential of further offending behaviour. The young person must be able to respect their team, which will usually include social workers.

Responsibilities include:

Help with suitable housing
Working with the young person’s relatives to ascertain potential support and/or flash points
Working with drug users, offering or signposting to suitable counselling
Empowering the young person to act positively

Working with young offenders demands a lot of multi-agency work, so you would need to be comfortable making referrals and dealing with all manner of other agencies.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Salary and Benefits

This career can be relatively well paid, Salary levels vary significantly by location, employer, and experience level. Specific figures should be verified with current job postings and employers as compensation has changed considerably in recent years. There is a good career progression, plenty of opportunities and excellent benefits, including career breaks.

The profession is keen to recruit specialist youth offender workers with skills focused on positive rehabilitation, such as sports teachers, art & crafts facilitators and trained counsellors that can bring a sense of ‘mentoring’ to this rewarding yet challenging role.

Alternative Careers

You may also be interested to read our articles on Becoming A Social Worker or Working with Children on this site.

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63 questions

Ask A Career Change a Question

Lc 20/06/2019 at 4:09 pm

I am a qualified youth worker specialist in mental health / drug abuse and safe guarding and wish to pursue a career working with young offenders. How do I get started?

ACareerChange Editor 25/07/2018 at 12:19 pm

There are various routes... sometimes jobs within specific prisons or organisations are advertised and any teachers can apply. Other organisations such as Excellence Gateway Offender Learning offer training and qualifications etc.

Chloe 22/07/2018 at 12:22 pm

I am currently a qualified primary school teacher and hold a BA hons degree.
The school I am working in involves many children with SEN and those that have challenging behaviour.
I am interested in working with and teaching young offenders and wondered how I go about this? Thank you

Russ 05/09/2017 at 12:36 pm

Hey, I have been interested in working with troubled youth for a few years now.
I have no criminal record, never been in trouble with the police. I have nephews and a niece (13,11,9,8,8) and a young daughter myself (4).
I would just like some advise on how I can get started, I don't mind volunteering or starting from the bottom and working my way up.
I'm very passionate about helping the youth and want to make a difference.
I can relate to the youth, I was bought up in a broken home. I could've gone down the wrong path but having good people and supportive people around me, I never.
Unfortunately some aren't as lucky.

Missy 08/03/2017 at 1:58 pm

I have always wanted to work with youth. It's like a calling career. I have a non violent felony going on 7 years now. I just want an opportunity to change the lives of our future of tomorrow. I am from NYC, I just want to know how to get some training and get start to change loves.

ACareerChange Editor 24/11/2016 at 12:42 pm

If she is honest about her history, there is no reason why an employer should treat her any differently from other candidates especially as her background may help her in the role.

Mutley26 23/11/2016 at 5:51 pm

Hi there, just a quick query. My partner is interested in working with young offenders but she has a criminal conviction. She was convicted in 2001 when she was 12, coming on 13, and I have read that a custodial sentence of more than two and a half years, up to four years, is spent for a child under 18 three and a half years after the end of the order. Will her youth conviction, from 15 years ago, have a negative impact on her trying to get into a career with young offenders?

ACareerChange Editor 21/11/2016 at 11:13 am

You can find some Volunteering/paid roles here on the NACRO website . You could also try: The New Bridge Foundation Prison Advice Service Volunteer roles

ed 18/11/2016 at 2:05 pm

I there a telephone number that I could speak to someone regarding getting involved with working with ex offenders. I feel I have much relavent life experience that I can share . I am a British film actor from Bermondsey South East London please feel free to google me .

Many thanks I hope some one can help with my qustion

Trina 20/10/2016 at 3:17 pm

I have a Health and Social care Degree. I am working in a SEN school with challenging behaviour. I love working with challenging behaviour students and providing advice. I want to become a probation officer. What would I need? I also help the young people in my community.

Keeles 10/06/2016 at 8:19 pm

Interested in working with youth offenders and am willing to do some voluntry work.Im working with the eldery at the moment in challenging beheviour and need a new challenge.

sam 16/02/2016 at 10:48 am

I am currently a Music and media coach covering PPA for teachers in primary and secondary schools across west yorkshire and have 2 years experience as a teaching assistant as well teaching guitar. I was wondering if there is any opportunity focusing on music whilst working with young offenders. I have a 2.1 degree and am based in leeds. Thanks

ACareerChange Editor 02/12/2015 at 11:45 am

We don't have details of specific job vacancies on this site but we hope the advice in the article helped.

ACareerChange Editor 01/12/2015 at 1:05 pm

Unfortunately, apart from contacting youth offending teams directly we cannot suggest much else if you have searched on the Internet. Try using various different search terms as the obvious ones are not always the ones that bring up the best results.

Ally 30/11/2015 at 9:00 pm

Hello. I am currently a Primary School teacher and specialised in disability studies. I am looking at a career change and would be interested in working with young offenders. Are there any teaching roles out there and if yes, how do I find these to apply? I am in North West, Cheshire area. Are there other jobs in this area which I could use my qualification for?
Thank you
Alison Ralph.

Sharon 30/11/2015 at 12:54 pm

Hi, just asking for advice.
I would like to work with young offenders. I am at present working in an approved premises for high risk offenders on licence conditions as a sessional worker for the NPS. I have been employed for 7 yrs now. I have quite a lot of experience, & exceed my duties as a sessional worker, and often do the work of a PSO, even though I am not qualified.
I have just graduated from worcester university obtaining a BA Honours degree as a JNC youth worker, although I would of preferred to do the criminology degree.
I have experience working with YSS as a keyworker for my placement and had a case load of offenders out in the community.
I am present working in a childrens home and still working within the approved premises.
I have tried to get into YOS no jobs.
I have tried a vacancy within the CRC as a PSO unfortunately I didn't get through the interview as my feedback stated I didn't give enough examples. I have volunteer experience within YOS & also as an appropriate adult for YSS.
I understand the changes probation/YOS are experiencing at present with the privatisation of these organisations. However I have exhausted the internet for jobs working with offenders, and feel I have come up against a brick wall, so to speak. Could you advise on where I could be looking. I am registered with many agencies with my CV in line. I just can't seem to find my ideal job that I am so passionate about.
My degree I feel is not worth the paper it is written on as Yourh Work jobs are no more.
Kind Regards sharon

seni 16/10/2015 at 5:01 am

Hi, I am from London, have an undergraduate degree in sociology however due to family issues i struggled, re-took and eventually managed to pass with a 3rd. I began to work in a medium secure mental health hospital, as a social therapist (formally known as health care assistant) and worked across the NHS in various wards including children’s acute units. I have worked here for 2 years. The nursing direction is no longer for me as I feel limited to how I can actually empower and motivate people, due to lack of resources and limits to what I can do. My ideal job would be working with youth, and positively engaging them in society, enabling them to make the best choices.
I feel stuck; most requirements to such jobs are people who have social work or youth studies background. Studying further is also limited as my 3rd class honours doesn’t meet any higher education criteria
can you kindly inform me of any other options?

Rach 13/09/2015 at 7:44 pm

Hi I'm still studying at university but I want a career change whilst studying and have always had a passion to work with young people as I essentially what to teach young offenders when I have my teaching degree. Just wondering what jobs there are and what qualifications I need and how how to apply

ACareerChange Editor 16/07/2015 at 2:43 pm

@mayers. While your experience is of course valuable, you will be expected to have some qualifications for most of the jobs in this field. Ask at your local college for details of relevant courses. You could also ask at your local youth offender's unit for volunteer work which would help you in any job applications.

Mayers 13/07/2015 at 6:10 am

Hi
I am 29 year old who has not had the best up brining myself. I have a criminal record as i have been to prison twice but i am heavily interested in helping youth distance themselves from trouble. I have not got any qualifications that apply to social work or working with young offenders but i do have a life time of experience. I find it very easy to relate and change the lifestyle of those who many give up on and i would love and have been advised by many to try and make a career of it. I am walking, talking example of what case workers are trying to achieve and i would like to know how to get my for in the door.
What would you suggest?

ACareerChange Editor 16/06/2015 at 12:31 pm

@Dance66. We cannot contact readers directly to answer their questions unfortunately. The repsonses that we post here are intended to remain there as a resource for anyone else who may be experiencing similar issues. If you post your approximate location, we, or our readers may be able to point you in the direction of relevant organisations.

Dance66 11/06/2015 at 2:58 pm

Hi
I did voluntary training for youth offending team about 9 years ago. I did voluntary work with a company who mentored clients whilst in prison. I would visit and mentor clients in prison. Once they had completed their time I would meet them at the entrance and take them to accomadation, I then mentored clients in the community for 3 months. I am a qualified mentor and fitness instructor. At present I am a manager for a large retail company.
I have tried several times to contact the 'Youth Offending' team for more information as I really would like to work on a permanent basis with the team. No one has contacted me. I would like to know do need a degree to work in this sector? Is there opportunities to do voluntary work? Please can I be contacted to discuss this further?

Regards
Dance66

ACareerChange Editor 02/03/2015 at 2:16 pm

@Sam. The easiest way to find voluntary work is to ask at schools and early years settings in your area.

sam 26/02/2015 at 11:22 am

I will be beginning an access to education course and will hopefully be continuing further from this to do the full teaching degree. Initially I was doing a children's nursing degree and was looking at working in young offenders institutions with this. However, I have since decided to retrain as a teacher. I currently live in the west midlands and was wondering what opportunities there are down here and if any voluntary experience was available.

Lois93 09/01/2015 at 7:08 pm

I will soon be completing my degree 'Foundation Degree in Young Children's Learning and Development', I also have a Level 3 qualification in Young Children's Learning and Development. I have the option to continue onto the BA Hons top-up course in September but I am unsure if this is the right path to take to lead me into a career working with youth offenders which is my aim. Would there be another course or further training needed as an alternative option to the BA Hons Degree, or is the Foundation Degree relevant? I would also appreciate any advice at all in regards to how to get started and who to contact to help. I live in the North West approximately half an hour from Manchester.
Thank you in advance
Lois

CatEg 15/12/2014 at 12:40 am

hi this is in reply to @carpediem years ago i came off hard drugs and have always wanted to work with young offenders as they are often substance misusers..... i also although not graded have a massive self education in psychology medications and therapys aswell as a basic councelling course i took around 13 yrs ago i myself was in prison and wondered if i could still work with them i clearly dont offend anymore or drink even im totally ready at the age of 35 to be experienced enough with life and these issues to be able to help people like i was as its so very needed and not much help was ever given to me. if i can help turn around just one persons life then that will do .....

Carly 13/10/2014 at 1:18 pm

Hi. im 19 and currently doing my first year in child hood studies degree as well as completing a level 3 child care qualification. With this course I will also be doing 700 hours work experience with working with children. Is there any way I can go into this career?

phil 28/09/2014 at 11:57 am

i am qualified primary school teacher (working on supply at the moment) and i am looking to change my career. i live and work in the north east, and would like to know if there are any vacancies, whether i would have to train, if it would cost anything and if my my 2.1 degree is of any use? my strengths within my teaching have always been my great relationships with young people.

jwl 23/09/2014 at 7:34 pm

I am very interested in working with young offenders but not sure what I need to do.

I am currently living within the Somerset area.

Kind Regards

Jean Lopez

07747490381

kakes 23/09/2014 at 11:40 am

Hi am ex affender looking to give somthing back.I would love to work with young offenders but am in need of guidance on how to get started,I have no qualifications but i belveve i could help young affenders as i have been there myself and i can relate to what they are going through.I want to start a.s.a.p pleas help

JJ7 15/09/2014 at 12:32 pm

Ive recently left the armed forces and considering a career in youth offenders work. i have no qualifications but have the money to spend from the forces entitlements.

What courses are available?

miss crayon 07/09/2014 at 4:09 pm

I studied psychology with criminology for a year but didn't proceed to second year and onwards due to personal circumstances. I was however, awarded a HND in psych with crim and would still.very much still like to pursue a career working with victims and / or offenders. I'm 35 and have three children. I'm a lone parent and university isn't the right path for me. Where can.I start?

satan 06/09/2014 at 12:24 pm

Hi
I've just finished my first access module with the OU and am hoping to start a degree in Criminology and Psychological studies. My career goal is to work with youth offenders, this is a career change for me to say the least but I had an accident nearly four years ago and have physical disabilities but this wont affect my capabilities, I'm hoping I can work from home as well as in the field.
Any guidance or advice would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Karl

Tania Macedo 22/08/2014 at 12:44 pm

Hi id love to work with young offender. Im 23 years old i have had some issue myself in the past and didnt hv the right support so id love be able to help those who r in need also confort them.. what do i need to do?? I live in walthamstow east london... email me please

Shauni 04/08/2014 at 3:45 pm

Hello, I am currently doing an English Literature course. I am in my honours year and I plan to do my PGDE next year. However, I would love to work with young offenders. Is there any other courses that I should be taking? Is a qualified English teacher something that a young offenders institute would require? I have only recently started looking into this so any information would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance!

Graeme 31/07/2014 at 10:00 pm

Hi, I am a recent graduate with a degree in sports development and Coaching and also a qualified fa football coach with 14 years experience in care with learning disabilities and would like to change careers to working with young offenders. I live in Devon but would be willing to move. Thanks

ACareerChange Editor 23/07/2014 at 9:47 am

@Miss B. Your sporting/teaching skills will be very valuable in this field. You've not said where you're located, but the best place to start is to search for voluntary placements with youth offending teams in your area. Good luck

Miss B 22/07/2014 at 2:31 pm

I am a PE teacher currently but am thinking of a change of career. I was wondering how I could get into working with Young offenders but specifically focusing on sport to help

Das 09/07/2014 at 1:26 pm

I have thought that working with youth offenders would be right for me in relation to the Legal Terminology that I Graduated from, would like to consider the role as a volunteer.

Faye 04/07/2014 at 5:44 pm

Hello, I am very eager to start a career within this sector - working with youth offenders - I have enrolled onto an access to nursing course due to start September which was advised for the psychology aspect but my problem is I have no idea where I go from here. I seem to have hit a dead end and am unsure of which path to take in University, please could somebody help me - I feel like time is running out before starting college and I need to know what course exactly I need to take at Uni so I can complete my Uni application in September. Thanks in advance.

sazzle 21/05/2013 at 11:57 am

I am a fully qualified teacher of psychology and Health and Social Care. I love teaching but my passion has always been to work with young offenders. What possible path can I take? I have a Bsc in Psychology, a PGCE and 5 years teaching experience.

Daniel 03/04/2013 at 3:41 pm

I looking into starting a career in working with young offenders. This is an area of work I have always wanted to be a part of. Never before have I thought it to be possible after not taking the correct courses in college etc I really want to give it a go now. I have counselling qualifications and want to gain experience in the necessary areas to work towards my dream career! All I need is the right help and guidance in going about finding experience/work in this field.

Chris 10/03/2013 at 11:17 am

I love working with children! And would like to help them to change there lives for the better im very interested in sport and physicsl activity and would be very thankful if you would reply to me. i beleive i would make a great difference to young offenders!
Chris golding
Degree in sport coaching science pending in July 2013

Mr O 08/01/2013 at 10:25 am

I am currently a High School Teacher and would like to change career. I am very interested in working with Young Offenders but unsure how I can get into this typew of work and what qualifications are required. I would really appreciate some advise?

Larry 03/01/2013 at 12:29 pm

I am a qualified school teacher with 10 years teaching experience.I have a passion for working with young offenders. Please may you kindly inform me about training. Thank you.

PJCole 11/12/2012 at 11:59 am

I am interested in working with young offenders, as I have have experienced what it's like to be in thier position, and would like to prevent others from ruining thier lives and the lives of thier families.

I beleive that I would be able to make a big difference to many young offenders, by sharing my experience in my own life and the troubles it has caused me and my own family.

I would welcome the oppourtunity to discuss in further detail my application with you.

Eb 14/11/2012 at 8:50 pm

I would like to do training work with young offenders, l have no experience that why l want to do training work

Shaz 24/10/2012 at 8:26 pm

I would love to work with young offenders but on my CRB i have two convictions one for shoplifting and the other for ABH which i was very young and silly. If only someone would give me a chance i have my level 2 and level 3 in Health and Social care and i know i can give guidance and help young offenders get through life.I am very good and have a lot of patience for young people .

Sab 29/08/2012 at 3:08 pm

Hi, I have a twenty pound theft conviction which I pleaded guilty to December 2010. Will having a conviction hinder my chances of becoming a Youth Offender Officer? I have paid for and have completed NVQ level two and three in Health & Social Care and NVQ level four in Managment. I'm starting a three year BA Psychosocial Studies degree in September. I will specialise in criminology. As an individuals who have been through the criminal justice system I felt the lack of support and wrong advice was terrible. I could help rehabilate young individuals into making positive changes which will enable them to have a much brighter future. Alot of Probation officers and Youth offender officers have a very negative approach to helping people with convictions as well as re-offenders. I feel very negative about the lack of support for re-offenders.

megan 12/07/2012 at 10:02 am

Hi, i'm 16 and going to six form, I really would love to work with young offenders and think I have the right skills needed. I really don't know what courses too do or what qualifications?

LouLouBell 09/07/2012 at 10:46 am

Hi,

My fiance is currently serving in the british army but is looking to leave his posting and enter this profession. He would love to work within this industry and we know he would be fantastic in succeeding, but he has no relevant qualifications. I was really hoping that somebody could give us a huge push in the right direction to get him started. Unfortunately he will need a full time paid position as we have a mortgage, are getting married in 5 month & will be starting our own family, so money will be an issue for us. He would be willing to volunteer out of working hours if this is the only way to enter this rewarding role, so if somebody could calrify what way to go, it would be most helpful and very much appreciated.

Kind Regards

Mandy 27/03/2012 at 2:07 pm

Hi I'm a secondary school art teacher. Looking for a career change. This looks interesting but it's not clear if I would be qualified and what re-training would be needed. I have already got a degree, MA and PGCE qualification and don't want to spend two much time and a money re-training.

Cez 09/03/2012 at 4:07 pm

Hi, I am a mum of 3 working within the NHS. I am starting an access to humanities course this September. I hope this will lead to a career in contributing towards helping young offenders in some way. Could you tell me where I would go after completing the access course?... and what (if any) other qualifications I would need?...
Regards

manfredo 13/02/2012 at 12:10 pm

I am an ex offender looking to give something back but am in need of guidance on how to get started. I have no recognised social work qualifications but believe i could help deter young offenders from a life of crime as i have been there myself an can relate to what they are going through. is there anyone out there who could help me?

Markws 06/11/2011 at 6:12 pm

Hi there, I am also very interested in using my own experience and that of raising two boys to work with young offenders. I have 15 years experience of working in the NHS and soon qualify as a psychotherapist. gwynivere and others, I would be interested to hear what your experience is.

Jackie 05/10/2011 at 10:00 pm

I have worked as a primary school teacher for 9 years. I would be extremely interested in working with young offenders and would welcome any advice on how and where to apply for such teaching positions.

Luis 23/09/2011 at 10:41 am

Hi! I was wondering how you can get to work as a teacher with young offenders, or a similar role teaching and supporting. Many thanks in advance.

Beena 16/09/2011 at 9:07 am

I am 37 with 3 kids, my 11year old was statemented when he was 6 with anger & violent behavour, it's been a battle but with the support of others & myself he's doing really well. My up bringing wasn't good, exposed to violence & then found myself in violent relationships. I would love to find out more about working with kids, also work with them & make a difference. I don't have any qualifications & the only experience I have is, my life & my sons.

sammy 15/08/2011 at 4:24 pm

I would love to help young offenders from re-offending. I'm from the school of hard knocks at 43 years young. I have been through the wringer, and have overcome my dark journey as I continue to press on. My faith and hope is very strong and I believe I have a lot to offer in this area. Which would benifet youth offenders strongly!!! However I don't have a grade 12 or any diploma's, could you direct me to the right connections, so that I can use my tools to reach out. With the correct skills and help these youths from recidevism. Sincerly yours!

kirsty 18/07/2011 at 8:40 pm

I am currently a serving soldier looking to leave the army and start a new career in this field. I have a lot of experince in working with youths from broken backgrounds and had complex welfare issues. I have been heavily involed in welfare and completed a counselling course. I would like to know how to get into this area as I'm not totally sure. any info would benefit.

lillea 05/07/2011 at 6:00 pm

Heya im currently going to start a access course where would I go from here if I wanted to get into this?

simone 17/05/2011 at 2:25 pm

I love working with children! And would like to help them to change there lives for the better im a very interested in your way of training and would be very thankful if you would reply to me.
i beleive i would make a great difference to young offenders!

gwynivere 16/03/2011 at 6:22 pm

I am a qualified Person-centred Psychotherapist. I really want to work with young offenders but can find nothing available. I was wondering if the Social Work sector employ counsellors/psychotherapists or if I need to take a Social Work course in order to gain access in working with this particular group of individuals? I'm frustrated and passionate about what I do but am simply having no luck in finding a vacancy which would enable me to work with young offenders and offer my skills and qualifications.

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