Overview
Probation officers monitor the conduct and behaviour of criminal offenders serving probation terms and serving sentences of two years less a day. They are employed by provincial governments. Parole officers monitor the reintegration of criminal offenders serving the remainder of sentences on conditional release and individuals that are subject to a long-term supervision order. They also assess inmates and develop rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders who are incarcerated in correctional facilities. They are employed by federal and provincial governments. Both probation and parole officers work in the community and in correctional facilities including young offender's correctional facilities.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Refer inmates and offenders to community and social service programs, as required
Supervise the terms of a probation order and attend court
Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans
Recommend remedial action or initiate court action when terms of probation or parole are violated
Attend court proceedings to provide expert testimony on an inmate's case as well as detention and dangerous offenders status court rulings
May perform administrative duties and supervise support staff
May participate in policy development.
Interview inmates to assess adjustment problems and develop suitable rehabilitation programs
Prepare reports for the recommendation of security level, penitentiary placement, type of incarceration and types of interventions considered most beneficial for the rehabilitation of the inmates
Interview offenders, police, family, friends, school authorities and employers to prepare pre-sentence reports and assess offenders' prospects for successful reintegration into the community
Plan rehabilitation programs with inmates, establishing rules of conduct, goals and objectives
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$58,835
$83,424
$107,721
Job openings
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British Columbia
130expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related social science discipline is required.
A master's degree in social work, criminology, psychology or other related social science discipline may be required.
Additional information
- Progression to correctional service management positions is possible with additional training or experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
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