Probation and Parole Officers and Related Workers
(NOC 4155)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesProbation 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 Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$24.76
Minimum$35.00
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$55,923
Minimum$75,697
Median$84,739
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$16.30
Minimum$30.00
Median$51.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
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.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$75,267 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$81,363 median annual incomeSouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$75,902 median annual incomeMaster
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Applied Behaviour Analysis
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on applying principles of learning and behaviour to enhance the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults and prepares students to address the behavioural needs of individuals, especially those with developmental disabilities and autism. They include courses in behaviour analysis and learning, behavioural and functional assessment, developmental psychology, applied behavioural analysis in developmental disabilities and autism, applied behavioural analysis in mental health and aging, research methods, evaluation of interventions, and professional and ethical issues.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Child Development
College or University ProgramThis program engages students in practical training and theoretical explorations in child and youth work, early childhood education, as well as early intervention and inclusive development.
Institutions providing this program
Criminology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of crime as a sociopathological phenomenon, the behaviour of criminals, and the social institutions evolved to respond to crime. They include courses in the theory of crime, psychological and social bases of criminal behaviour, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Psychology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of individual and collective behaviour, the physical and environmental bases of behaviour, and the analysis and treatment of behaviour problems and disorders. They include courses in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Social Work
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counselling, and focus on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. They include courses in social welfare policy, case work planning, social counselling and intervention strategies, administrative procedures and regulations, and specific applications in areas like child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counselling.
Institutions providing this program
Sociology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. They include courses in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Youth Services/Administration
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, manage, and implement social services for children, youth, and families. They include courses in child development and psychology, adolescence, family studies, social work, social services administration, juvenile and family law, program and facilities planning, youth leadership, counselling, probation, casework, applicable procedures, and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
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