Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist Career
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists keep track of those people on probation to make sure that do not commit new crimes. They also help them prepare for a productive life so they are motivated to avoid further criminal behavior. If you choose to work in this area, you will meet regularly with people on probation in their home or at an office and help to evaluate the best plan for rehabilitation. You may serve as the bridge between those on probation and community resources to help them find jobs or counseling to better their lives.
Nearly all probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work for state or local government. Since these officers work with people on probation or parole, there is some potential danger. Friends and family members may be difficult to work with, and these officers may have to visit neighborhoods that have higher crime and disease rates.
Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist Career Snapshot
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are required to meet many deadlines imposed by the court system, which can mean a great deal of paperwork and high levels of stress. Since officers might have to conduct home visits and property checks in hostile neighborhoods, they may be required to carry a gun or pepper spray in case self-defense is required. On the other hand, many of these officers directly contribute to helping criminals return to society as productive members.
Further details on a career as a probation officer and correctional treatment specialist are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average annual salary for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 7% have some college, but no degree.
Education
Nearly all probation officer and correctional treatment specialists have a bachelor’s degree while a small percentage have some college without a degree.
Job Outlook
Those who are probation officers and correctional treatment specialists can expect that the job market will grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is primarily influenced by how much government funding is available for correction facilities. However, many communities see corrections as a better alternative to incarceration, so there may be higher demand for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists as a result.
Salaries
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earn on average $49,360 per year with entry level positions starting at $32,900 and top performers making $86,140 annually according to 2015 BLS.gov reports.
Job Duties
If you choose to be a probation officer and correctional treatment specialist, you may be required to test those on probation for drug and substance abuse and then follow-up with counseling recommendations if needed. You may be the mediator between the person on probation and law enforcement as well as document your work.
Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist Skills & Traits
| Probation Officer & Correctional Treatment Specialist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Probation Officer & Correctional Treatment Specialists: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Social Perceptiveness • Speaking • Active Listening • Monitoring | • Problem Sensitivity • Oral Comprehension • Oral Expression • Inductive Reasoning • Speech Recognition | • Handcuffs • Photocopying equipment • Torso and belt restraints • Two way radios • Videoconferencing systems | • Getting Information • Documenting Information • Working with Computers • Making Decisions • Communicating with Others |
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