Life of a Probation Officer For those who that like law enforcement and want to make the earth a more safe place, you would be wise to learn more about the various probation officer requirements. Potential probation officers must have a clear understanding about the job opportunity prior to getting too far along. A probation officer supervises convicted criminals that serve a probation instead of prison time. A judge is likely to determine specific requirements for a convict’s probationary time. It is the probation officer’s job responsibility to make sure that these requirements will be fulfilled. Probation officers work for federal and state governments, agencies, and jurisdictions. There are also options to center on a specific generation, such as adults or youth. Additional probation officer requirements concerning duties include field work to communicate with probationer’s friends, family, neighbors, and city to acquire insight about their lifestyles, habits, and interests. They conduct probationer meetings frequently at the probation office, homes, and work sites. Another significant function of a probation officer can include helping ex-offenders to acquire jobs and housing. In some instances, they even assist them to receive substance abuse treatment and counseling. Many probation officers will spend substantial time in an office writing reports concerning their assigned criminals. Based on location and job level, probation officers can expect to work with 25 to 100 cases at any moment. Probation officers are particularly necessary to monitor the activities of felons and others who have commited violent crimes. Probation Officer Qualifications Most probation officers have got a bachelor’s degree and various job qualifications based on the requirements of the state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies that employ them.. Nearly all law enforcement agencies will look for a degree in criminal justice, social work, justice administration, psychology, sociology, or corrections.. A few companies might only hire those with a master’s degree, especially for supervisory positions. Should you just have an associate’s degree, you are able to still match employer requirements by similar work experience. Aspiring officers should additionally develop great writing and interpersonal skills. If you need to know how to become a police officer, there are many guidelines online that will provide you with a direct degree route to take. Below is a list of five ways that a college degree will help you in satisfying the probation officer requirements: 1. Most employers require a degree in a social science or criminal justice, 2.If you want to progress to a leadership position you may need a bachelor’s degree, and then likely a master’s degree, 3. Acquiring a bachelor’s degree facilitates one to gain preferred admittance to probation officer jobs without the need of additional time and effort to demonstrate work experience, 4. The behavioral, mental health, and criminal justice system background earned from bachelor-level courses will be essential to preparation for guidance and supervision of ex-offenders, and 5. Bear in mind that there are other people also trying to get a job as a probation officer. Solely those who fulfill all the probation officer requirements can find jobs. The certification requirements for probation officers in most jurisdictions are that one be at least 21 years old, pass a state or federal exam (based on the employer), and pass psychological and physical exams. Drug screening and a criminal background check will be a part of your application. Most of the training happens on the job with new employees undergoing a supervised training and probationary period of up to one year. Federal agencies also want at least two years of prior work experience, which is typically attained at state or local agencies. The amount of positions available for probation officers is anticipated to grow 10% through the next decade.. If you want to meet the probation officer requirements for these jobs you will have to get at least a bachelor’s degree or similar work experience. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists was $45,910 in 2008. This offers some insight to this growing field of employment.