Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
What is a Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists?
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists play a crucial role within the criminal justice system, primarily focusing on the rehabilitation of offenders and preventing recidivism. They are responsible for supervising individuals placed on probation, ensuring that they comply with the terms of their probation, and providing them with support and resources aimed at fostering positive behavioral changes. These professionals often conduct risk assessments, develop rehabilitation plans, and monitor the progress of their clients through regular meetings and communication.
In addition to their supervisory roles, they also collaborate with various community organizations and social services to facilitate access to education, employment, housing, and mental health resources. This multifaceted approach aims to address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior, thereby assisting clients in reintegrating into society successfully.
Probation Officers also serve as liaisons between the courts and the individuals they supervise, providing reports and assessments to inform judicial decisions. They may also participate in court hearings to advocate for their clients and recommend actions that align with their rehabilitation goals. Overall, the work of Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists is vital for promoting public safety while providing offenders with the opportunity to change their lives.
Tasks
- Prepare and maintain case folder for each assigned inmate or offender.
- Gather information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to offenders, their families and friends, and other people who have relevant information.
- Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans.
- Discuss with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in their criminal behavior.
- Supervise people on community-based sentences, such as electronically monitored home detention, and provide field supervision of probationers by conducting curfew checks or visits to home, work, or school.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Microsoft Office software
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Data base user interface and query software
- Court records databases
- Microsoft Access
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Web page creation and editing software
Tools Used
- Handcuffs
- Two way radios
- Photocopiers
- Torso and belt restraints
- Videoconferencing systems
Knowledge
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Maintain client information or service records.
- Collect information about clients.
- Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
- Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
- Monitor health or behavior of people or animals.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$41700.0 - $105220.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.