critiea of a probation officer

Laurie Duell
Teresa Levesque
Strategies for Success
September 9, 2014 Criteria of a Probation Officer

Many people who are convicted of crimes are placed on probation, instead of being sent to prison. Probation Officers oversee offenders who are currently on probation. They do this by providing them with counseling and drug screenings to make sure they follow their sentencing. Becoming a Probation officer you have to administer writing skills. They aren’t just articulate workers. Probation officers often write reports on their offenders that help the judge decide what their sentence for the defendant shall be. Some perceive probation officers as hard-edged, but a good probation officer needs the ability to build relationships. When becoming a probation officer you need to have excellent communication skills, especially with regard to listening. He must listen to and understand court orders about monitoring the offender's activities. He must also listen to the offender, his employer and others involved in his life to find out whether he is in compliance. A probation officer needs the ability to help the offender understand what is expected of him in terms during the probation. In court, the probation officer must be able to communicate recommendations on probation terms for the offender. The officer helps the offender set goals for improvement and encourages her to take the steps necessary to achieve them. Positive thoughts and behavioral strategies are often the best tool to prevent new crime problems. Probation officers also spend much of their time working for the courts. They investigate the backgrounds of the accused, write presentence reports, and recommend sentences. They review sentencing recommendations with offenders and their families before submitting them to the court. Probation officers may be required to testify in court as to their findings and recommendations. They also attend hearings to update the court on offenders' efforts at rehabilitation and compliance with the terms of their sentences. Qualifications vary by agency, but a bachelor's degree is usually required. Most employers require candidates to pass oral, written, and psychological examinations. Some employers require a master's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field for candidates who do not have previous related experience. Different employers have different requirements for what counts as related experience. Employment growth, which is projected to be faster than the average, is dependent on government funding. One reason why I like this career is the opportunities for advancement is great. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent. Advancement is primarily based on experience and performance. A graduate degree, such as a master's degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology, may be helpful or required for advancement. Probation officers treatment specialists generally work a 40-hour week, but some may work longer. They may be on call 24 hours a day to supervise and assist offenders at any time. The salary for a probation officer varies significantly, depending on the location. Usually, the salaries for probation officers range from approximately $27,000 to about $67,000 a year. If probation officers work at the federal level, they will earn at the upper end of the range. Further, chief probation officers, who have a graduate degree and are in a supervisor position, may earn from $72,000 to $100,000 annually. Because probation officers are government employees, they usually also have a benefits package that includes health and life insurance, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. In conclusion being a probation officer is not an easy job. Although stress makes these jobs difficult at times, the work also can be rewarding. Many probation officers also enjoy the intrinsic reward of watching offenders become productive and successful members of society. The positive aspects of working with clients who are motivated to better themselves can outweigh the potential negatives of the job. I like the challenge and I hope I can be successful in becoming a probation officer.

Personal characteristics & Skills of a Probation Officer by Neil Kokemuller, 2007 Reproduced from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition,
Probation Officer Job Description & Career Outlook 2010-2013