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Probation Officer

Many people search for careers that are rewarding personally as well as lucrative. If you are such a person, becoming a Probation Officer might be just the thing you are looking for.

What does a Probation Officer do?
While specific job descriptions vary across agencies, probation officers generally are tasked with supervising the progress of individuals who have been placed on probation by the court, often in lieu of serving a prison sentence. Probation Officers monitor the progress of these individuals, aiding them in reaching goals set for them by the court. These officers are required to interact with those on probation, as well as their family members, employers and/or members of community groups involved in helping to rehabilitate offenders. The ultimate goal the Probation Officer works toward is the reinstatement of the offender as a productive member of their community.

What Education and Skills are Required to be a Probation Officer?
Educational requirements, like job descriptions, vary widely in this field. Some States or agencies require a certain amount of previous work experience in addition to a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. However, there are certain skill sets you can expect to be required across almost all positions, such as:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, necessary for dealing with offenders and members of the community
  • Strong writing skills, necessary for the large volume of reports needing to be written to document each case and for submission to the courts
  • Strong technological and computer skills, since this field relies heavily on computers and telecommunication to allow officers to most effectively complete their work
What Salary do Probation Officers Make?
Depending on the specific position, Probation Officers can earn from $35,160 to $75,190 per year.
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