Are you interested in criminal justice from a psychology and rehabilitation perspective? You could make a difference in helping to reform and rehabilitate past criminals who want to make a change for the better by becoming a probation officer. With a social work degree from Pacific Oaks College, you can pursue a career as a probation officer and make a difference in the rehabilitation of former criminals and change lives.
What Does a Probation Officer Do?
Probation officers serve as the correctional officers in a courtroom. Their job is to investigate and supervise the offenders allowed on probation. A probation officer’s responsibilities include observing the offender’s behavior in court and researching and monitoring their behavior out on parole to reduce the risk of them committing more crimes.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Investigation: Conduct interviews with the offender, defense counsel, prosecutor, victims, and the offender’s family and acquaintances. The investigation also includes reviewing court documents and reports.
- Report Preparation: Compile information from the investigation into a report and present the case to the court to impose a fair sentence on the offender. This report includes information on the offender, the offense’s impact on the victim, federal sentencing guidelines, and information on the ability to fines and restitution.
- Supervision: Determine a supervision plan based on the offender’s risk to the general public. The supervision plan informs the amount of personal contact the officer has with the offender.
- Correctional Treatment: Provide services such as mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery treatment, educational support, medical care, or even employment assistance to rehabilitate the offender and reduce the risk they pose.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Probation Officer?
To become an entry-level probation officer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Additionally, some jobs might require a competency exam. Depending on the court or jurisdiction, a master’s degree in a related field might be a preferred qualification. Pacific Oaks College offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and an online Master of Social Work (MSW). These social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Having a background in social work is extremely beneficial when it comes to the everyday responsibilities of a probation officer. For instance, utilizing the skills and knowledge learned to apply to real-life situations such as assessing an offender’s mental health and their capability for rehabilitation with a parole opportunity. With the Pacific Oaks social work programs, students will have the opportunity to have real-world training to develop and apply professional skills, social justice values, and social work knowledge.
Certifications or Licensing Requirements to Become a Probation Officer
Certification requirements vary depending on the state and organization you’re looking to work at. While it may not be required for the jurisdiction you plan to pursue, if you want to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) post-graduation, there are different licensing requirements and exams by state. Visit the Association of Social Work Boards to learn more about the licensure requirements in your state.
How Much Does a Probation Officer Make?
Probation officer salary expectations fluctuate based on location, education level, and experience. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average probation worker’s salary in the U.S. is $61,800 a year.
Probation Officer Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the employment rate for probation officers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is the average for all occupations. With that said, there are about 7,400 probation officer job openings on average each year, resulting mostly from workers retiring.
Start Your Journey to Becoming a Parole Officer
Pursue a career as a parole officer and start today by applying for a Bachelor of Social Work. Our CSWE-accredited program is offered 100% online, making it easier than ever to get started from anywhere. At Pacific Oaks College, we pride ourselves on our social justice and equity framework. We provide students with knowledge on advocating for change in traditionally underserved communities, which is an invaluable skill when practicing as a probation officer. Apply today.
