Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

What the work involves

• Prepare and maintain case folder for each assigned inmate or offender.
• Write reports describing offenders' progress.
• Inform offenders or inmates of requirements of conditional release, such as office visits, restitution payments, or educational and employment stipulations.
• Discuss with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in their criminal behavior.
• Gather information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to offenders, their families and friends, and other people who have relevant information.
• Develop liaisons and networks with other parole officers, community agencies, correctional institutions, psychiatric facilities, and aftercare agencies to plan for helping offenders with life adjustments.
• Arrange for medical, mental health, or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs or court orders.

What to study

The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.

• Social WorkSee 621 colleges that teach it

Who it suits

O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.

• Helping and teaching

• Organised and precise

• Leading and persuading

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