• How to Become a Parole Officer
• How to Become a Probation Officer
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• American Probation and Parole Assoc

How to Become a Probation Officer

Here you'll find a job description, minimum job requirements and salary information for a probation officer.

Probation Officer Career Description

Probation officers and parole officers are often lumped together when their careers are discussed. They do have some common duties, such as working within the corrections system and being employed by county, state or federal departments. Sometimes they even take on dual responsibilities, functioning as both a probation and parole officer. Probation officers perfom many duties specific to probation and deal with offenders who have been convicted but not sent to jail.

Probation officers work with offenders or clients that have been sentenced to probation and will not go to prison for their offense. Probation officers conduct pre-sentence investigations and reports on convicted criminals to help the court decide on sentencing and what level of probation the offender will receive or if there should be a prison sentence. These pre-sentence reports also include recommendations regarding the likelihood of rehabilitation. Probation officers evaluate their clients while on probation by conducting interviews with family members, employers, counselors, drug testing and monitoring their location using electronic tracking devices. Probation officers, in most cases, will specialize in working with either juvenile offenders or adult offenders. Probation officers handle anywhere from 15 to over 100 cases, depending on their district or territory. The workload can be very heavy and is often dictated by the level of offender the officer is dealing with.

In certain states probation officers do carry the dual title of probation and parole officer. The probation job description does not change, but the officer will also conduct the duties of a parole officer.

A probation officer career can be very stressful as well as dangerous. For those that do pursue this career, they find it challenging as well as rewarding.

Probation Officer Requirements, Qualifications and Training

The majority of departments will require probation officers to have a bachelor degree from a 4-year college. A bachelor degree in corrections, criminal justice, psychology, social work or related field is preferred. Some positions, such as federal and advanced positions, will require a master degree in criminal justice, social work, counseling or a related field. Most departments require applicants to be at least 21 years of age, not to have been convicted of any felony, have strong writing and interview skills. Computer skills have become a necessary requirement due to the technological advancements being used in the field of probation and the court system. Some states will require probation officer applicants to possess at least two years of corrections, parole, correctional treatment specialist or probation experience. Previous social work or counseling experience where the objective was to guide a subject through a situation is also looked upon highly.

Training differs by department but will usually include a 6 month to a year probationary period where a new probation officer will work with a supervisor or experienced probation officer. The application and hiring process will involve physical and psychological examinations. There will also be written tests and oral interviews. Most states require probation officers to pass certification exams when hired and at specified times during the career.

If you feel you meet the basic qualifications, contact the department you are interested in working for and review their specific probation officer requirements and request application material.

Probation Officer Salary

Probation officers in larger cities often will earn more than those in rural areas. Our research found that both juvenile and adult probation officers earn from $35,000 to $68,000 a year based on experience, education and location. Chief probation officers, most often requiring a graduate degree, can earn anywhere from $72,000 to over $100,000 a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median yearly income for probation officers in 2004 was $39,600 and ranged from $26,310 to $66,660 a year.

Bachelor Degree Programs

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University of Phoenix: University of Phoenix's Criminal Justice and Psychology bachelor degree programs will help you meet the requirements for a probation or parole officer career. University of Phoenix offers online and campus based degree options that fit your schedule. University of Phoenix is the largest university in North America. Request free information from their programs today!

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Psychology

Colorado Technical University: CTU offers a BS in Criminal Justice that can be completed in 15 months if the student already holds a two year degree. Let CTU help you pursue a career in probation or parole. Request free information from the BS in Criminal Justice program today.

BS in Criminal Justice

Capella University: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers the following master degree programs that can help you advance your career in parole or corrections as well as help meet the requirements to become a federal probation or parole officer.

MS in Psychology
MS Human Services - Counseling

Ashford University:

BA Sociology
BA Psychology