Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment specialists

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Duties

The following is characteristic of probation officials and correctional treatment specialists:

• In an office or at a house, probationers and parolees, as well as their friends and family members, are interviewed to assess their progress.
• Determine the most effective method of rehabilitation for people on probation or parole.
• Provide assistance to those on probation or parole, such as employment training.
• Administer drug testing and counseling to those who have violated the law.
• Investigate and testify in court about the offender's past prior to the hearing
• Keep track of criminals by writing reports and keeping case files.

Types of probation officers and correctional treatment experts include, but are not limited to:

People who have been sentenced to probation instead of prison are under the supervision of probation officers, who are also known as community supervision officers. They make regular visits to the probationer to make sure he or she is not a risk to the community and to assist in their recovery. Each probationer's treatment plan and progress while being placed on probation are documented in probation officers' reports. Most of them only deal with either adults or children or a mix of the two.

Parole officers work with parolees to assist them reintegrate into society after being released from jail. To facilitate parolees' reintegration, parole officials monitor post-release parolees and offer them with information on services, such as drug abuse therapy or job training. To lessen the likelihood of the parolee committing another crime and being sent back to jail, authorities use this technique to influence his or her conduct.

Probation officers and parole officers keep close tabs on their probationers and parolees by meeting with them and their families on a regular basis (also known as community supervision). Officers of probation and parole must maintain frequent contact with parolees and probationers, whether it be by phone or office visit, and they must also do home or workplace visits to ensure that they are doing well. Probation and parole officials evaluate the neighborhood's safety as well as the probationers' and parolees' mental health when conducting house visits. They also supervise drug tests and electronic surveillance of people under supervision. Probation officers and parole officers share responsibilities in several areas.

An investigation by pretrial services officers determines whether or not a defendant may be released back into the community prior to his or her trial date. When a matter is settled without a trial, a judge will decide on the appropriate sentence or bail amount based on the officer's assessment of risk. Pretrial police keep an eye on released pretrial defendants to make sure they comply with their release conditions and show up for their trials.

Case managers and correctional counselors provide guidance and construct rehabilitation strategies for those on probation or parole. Questionnaires and psychological exams can be used to assess convicts. As part of this process, they collaborate with the convicts, parole officers, and other agencies to come up with a strategy for their eventual release. They may, for instance, devise educational and training initiatives aimed at enhancing the work abilities of probationers.

Specialists in correctional treatment compile case studies that detail an inmate's past criminal activity and propensity to commit another offense while in prison. Case reports are sent to the parole board when a convict is eligible for release. Assisting parolees and their families with counseling, drug abuse treatment, job placement, and housing are all possible services provided by the expert. As part of the parole process, correctional treatment professionals also explain the terms and circumstances of the prisoner's release and preserve extensive records of each parolee's progress.

One's workload as a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist is determined by the number of persons under their supervision and the accompanying risk. A probation officer's time and resources tend to be more dedicated to high-risk probationers. Agency-specific caseload sizes are also a factor.

Probation officers and correctional treatment experts can better oversee and counsel probationers thanks to improved drug screening tests and technological equipment.

Education

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a closely related discipline in security and protective services is often required for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules.

Training

To become a probation officer or a correctional treatment specialist, most states and the federal government require that candidates finish a training program and then take a certification exam. As a result, individuals may be required to work as trainees for up to a year before being offered a full-time job.

Certain types of cases are handled by specific probation officers and correctional treatment professionals. For example, a probation officer may work primarily with domestic violence probationers or only with instances involving drug abuse. Some may only be effective in circumstances involving minors. Officers undergo specialized training to effectively assist probationers of this nature.

Even though employment requirements differ, internships in courthouses or with probation officers in the criminal justice industry might be beneficial for some careers.

Advancement

Experience and performance are the primary determinants of promotion to supervisory jobs. For progression, a master's degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology may be necessary.

Pay

In May 2020, probation officers and penitentiary treatment experts were paid an average of $55,690 per year. An occupation's median pay is the wage at which half of the workers make more than it and half make less. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10% of earners, there was a wide range of incomes.

Job Projections

In the decade from 2020 to 2030, the employment of probation officers and treatment specialists is expected to expand at a slower rate than the national average of 8%.