Parole and Probation Officers

Parole or Probation Officers supervise offenders who have been placed on probation by court order or released conditionally from corrective service institutions.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Supervises offenders on probation and parole
  • Assesses clients' needs and plans develops and implements educational, training and support programmes
  • Interviews clients and assesses the nature and extent of difficulties
  • Monitors and reports on the progress of clients
  • Refers clients to agencies that can provide additional help
  • Completes administrative work which may include written correspondence and reports

Key values of workers in Parole and Probation Officers

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Top skills required for workers in Parole and Probation Officers

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.