Probation and Parole Officers and Related Workers

Nature of work

Probation officers monitor the conduct and behaviour of criminal offenders serving probation terms. Parole officers monitor the reintegration of criminal offenders serving the remainder of sentences while conditionally released into the community on parole. Classification officers assess inmates and develop rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders who are incarcerated in prisons. They work for federal and provincial governments and work in the community and in prisons.

Job duties

Probation and parole officers:

• Interview offenders, police, family, friends, school authorities and employers to prepare pre-sentence reports and assess offenders' prospects for successful reintegration into the community.
• Plan rehabilitation programs with offenders, establishing rules of conduct, goals, and objectives.
• Refer offenders to community and social service programs as required.
• Supervise the terms of a probation order and attend court.
• Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans.
• Recommend corrective action or start court action when terms of probation or parole are violated.
• May perform administrative duties and supervise support staff.
• May participate in policy development.
• Interview inmates to assess adjustment problems and develop suitable rehabilitation programs.
• Prepare classification reports recommending type of incarceration and types of interventions considered most beneficial for the rehabilitation of the inmates.
• Communicate with the inmates' families and contacts in the community to maintain established bonds outside of the institution.
• Advise and counsel inmates regarding their problems and evaluate their progress.

Sample job titles

• case manager
• correctional centre caseworker
• parole officer
• parole supervisor
• probation and parole officer
• probation officer
• welfare program officer
• youth worker

Skills

• You should have an interest in the social welfare of others and a desire to help them. Patience, maturity, good listening skills, and an understanding of human nature are important. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. Leadership, reasoning, and decision-making skills are also necessary.

Job requirements

• A bachelor's degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related social science discipline is required.
• A master's degree in social work, criminology, psychology or other related social science discipline may be required.

Other considerations

• On-the-job training is ongoing for probation officers, and advancement courses and employee assistance programs are offered for people who wish to upgrade their skills. Corrections Canada has a volunteer program that begins every fall for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the work of probation officers. Progression to correctional service management positions is possible with additional training or experience.

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

There are no additional resources for this occupation.