Final Project:Probation Officer

DAVID CLEARE-WEST LA COLLEGE

Job Description

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists’ work with and monitor offenders to prevent them from committing new crimes. Probation officers, who are called community supervision officers in some states, supervise people who have been placed on probation. They work to ensure that the offender is not a danger to the community and to help in their rehabilitation. Probation officers write reports that detail each offender’s treatment plans and their progress since they were put on probation.

Job DutiesEvaluate offenders to determine the best course of treatment

Provide offenders with resources to aid in rehabilitation

Discuss treatment options with offenders

Arrange treatment programs

Supervise offenders and monitor their progress

Conduct meetings with offenders as well as their family and friends

Writes reports on the progress of offenders

Required Skills

Communication skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to effectively interact and communicate with a wide range of people.Critical-thinking skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to assess the needs of individual offenders before determining the best resources for helping them.Decision-making skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and be able to choose appropriately.Emotional stability. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must cope with hostile or otherwise upsetting situations, as well as with other stresses on the job.Organizational skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must be able to manage multiple case files at one time.Writing skills. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists interpret training materials and write detailed reports on a regular basis.

Probation Officer Employment

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists held about 103,400 jobs in 2008. Most jobs are in State or local governments. Depending on the State, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists may be employed solely by State or local government, or they are employed at both levels. Jobs are more plentiful in urban areas than in rural ones. In the Federal Government, probation officers are employed by the U.S. courts, and correctional treatment specialists are employed by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons.

Working Environment

Although work as a probation officer can be stressful, the work may also be rewarding. They work with criminal offenders, some of whom may be dangerous. While supervising offenders, they may interact with others, such as family members and friends of their clients, who may be upset or difficult to work with. Many officers travel to do home and employment checks and property searches, especially in rural areas. Because of the hostile environments probation officers may encounter, some must carry a firearm or other weapon for protection.

Education & Training RequirementsA bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field is usually required. Some employers require a master's degree in a related field for candidates who do not have previous related work experience.

Career Tips

Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work as trainees or on a probationary period for up to a year before being offered a permanent position. A typical agency has several levels of probation and parole officers and correctional treatment specialists, as well as supervisors. A graduate degree, such as a master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology, may be helpful for advancement.

Job Outlook

JOB PROSPECTS. IN ADDITION TO OPENINGS DUE TO GROWTH, MANY OPENINGS WILL BE CREATED BY REPLACEMENT NEEDS, ESPECIALLY OPENINGS DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF THESE WORKERS WHO ARE EXPECTED TO RETIRE. THIS OCCUPATION IS NOT ATTRACTIVE TO SOME POTENTIAL ENTRANTS DUE TO RELATIVELY LOW EARNINGS, HEAVY WORKLOADS, AND HIGH STRESS. FOR THESE REASONS, JOB OPPORTUNITIES ARE EXPECTED TO BE EXCELLENT.

Expected Earnings Based on Experience

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PaydayMedian annual wages of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in May 2008 were $45,910. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,990 and $60,430. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,210. In May 2008, median annual wages for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists employed in State government were $46,580; those employed in local government earned $46,420. Higher wages tend to be found in urban areas.

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Work Cited

www.allthingspolitical.org

www.bls.gov/oco/

www.onetoonline.org/

probation.co.la.ca.us/