Probation Officer

Probation Officer Job Description

Probation and parole officers oversee two kinds of individuals: offenders sentenced to probation (people who carry out the conditions of sentences demanded by the court) and parolees (people released from prison that must serve parole-board-ordered sentences). While carrying out these jobs, officers guarantee the security of the public as they work to help regenerate their clients. Working alongside social services, probation and parole officers assist their clients in receiving the education, counseling, jobs, and housing essential to a full rehabilitation. They are also responsible for writing pre-sentence reports for judges. These reports are based on the officers' investigative work of the offenders' backgrounds and give judges essential information needed to make a suitable sentence for each criminal. Probation and parole officers also give testimonies at pretrial and parole board hearings to assist in the clarification of these reports. Also, they investigate infringements of court-ordered sentences.

Education and Training

Probation and parole officers at any state level are usually required to complete a four-year degree program in an area of social science such as correctional counseling, criminal justice, sociology, or psychology. Courses the communication arts and in law are measured as useful. The federal level requires officers to complete a minimum of two years of field work.

Special Skills Required

Probation and parole officers need to possess strong communication skills to compose exact pre-sentence reports and to argue them in the courtroom. They also must understand people from an assortment of legal occupations and with clients possessing diverse backgrounds. Also, probation and parole officers have to cope with the stress that accompanies big caseloads.

Salary and Benefits

The state level has starting salaries ranging from $20,500 to $28,000. Federal starting salaries are $28,000 on average. The state and federal governments give various medical and retirement benefits.

Working Conditions

Probation and parole officers labor in courts, jails, offices, and prisons. Their work frequently occurs in the businesses and residences of their clients. These officers generally work 40-hours weekly but must sometimes work overtime to meet court-ordered deadlines and to perform client investigations.

Job Outlook for Probation and Parole Officers

Job prospects in this profession are average. The quantity of defendants is on the rise; however, parole has been eliminated in the federal corrections system. Even so, the funding for probation and parole officers and the number of prisoners are increasing. Because of budget issues, probation and parole officers commonly have a heavier load of clients instead of the government hiring more officers.