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How to become a parole officer?
Lend your expertise: what does it take to become a parole officer?
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
174
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India
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Angel’s Answer
To become a parole officer, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you'll work closely with offenders and various agencies. Most positions require completing a background check and may involve training programs specific to parole supervision. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work in criminal justice can be beneficial. Additionally, consider pursuing certifications for added credibility in the field.
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
101
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Oakland Park, Florida
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello and great question.
To become a parole officer, you should have obtained a bachelor degree, best in behavioral science or criminal justice related field. You can apply to different populations that you want to qirk for, be in juveniles or adults if different genders. Some cases, you can ask to meet with some of the probation officers by contacting the local Justice system so that you can get a day in the life experience, what are the pros and cons, and potential expectations.
Hope this helps!
To become a parole officer, you should have obtained a bachelor degree, best in behavioral science or criminal justice related field. You can apply to different populations that you want to qirk for, be in juveniles or adults if different genders. Some cases, you can ask to meet with some of the probation officers by contacting the local Justice system so that you can get a day in the life experience, what are the pros and cons, and potential expectations.
Hope this helps!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
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Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Becoming a Parole or Probation officer is an exciting, always interesting and challenging career. Most of the time someone would obtain a city, county or state position which usually pays well and has excellent benefits. The Parole Officer usually works with clients that have done non-violent crimes and first time offenders. The Probation Officer works with people coming out of prison. A good major for a Bachelors Degree would prepare the student to apply for either position.
I would advise that the student major in Criminal Justice and minor in Social Science, this minor encompassing courses such as psychology, sociology, and some courses in social work would fit in for this career. Criminal Justice is the degree that the majority of students take for this career.
To gain experience before applying for the career position, I advise that students do volunteer work as a social work assistant, youth counselor or a case worker within the police department or other offices or their local court system. I do not recommend shadowing for this career as the student should keep their privacy and safety and it is possible that if the student is shadowing, the student may know the client and that's always an awkward situation. Usually the actual work between the officer and client is very private and confidential. Volunteer work, or if an Internship is available, would be the ideal routes.
It takes a strong skin to successfully have a long career as a Parole or Probation Officer. You will have extremely sensitive conversations with clients at times and be responsible for overseeing their success upon re-entry into the community. There are times when you will make decisions that greatly affect the clients' life. So this takes expertise and great knowledge of human behavior, a sharp intuitive sense and the ability to deal with ups and downs of the clients. For this position, students should never take things personally because clients will do what they want. As long as the student follows office guidelines and the laws of the county, city or state, the student should be fine and know what to do.
When I was a Social Service Case Manager, I had interaction with Probation Officers on behalf of my clients. They were always receptive, helpful, accessible and a pleasure to work with.
I hope this is helpful and I wish all future students going into this career all of the very best for their future !
I would advise that the student major in Criminal Justice and minor in Social Science, this minor encompassing courses such as psychology, sociology, and some courses in social work would fit in for this career. Criminal Justice is the degree that the majority of students take for this career.
To gain experience before applying for the career position, I advise that students do volunteer work as a social work assistant, youth counselor or a case worker within the police department or other offices or their local court system. I do not recommend shadowing for this career as the student should keep their privacy and safety and it is possible that if the student is shadowing, the student may know the client and that's always an awkward situation. Usually the actual work between the officer and client is very private and confidential. Volunteer work, or if an Internship is available, would be the ideal routes.
It takes a strong skin to successfully have a long career as a Parole or Probation Officer. You will have extremely sensitive conversations with clients at times and be responsible for overseeing their success upon re-entry into the community. There are times when you will make decisions that greatly affect the clients' life. So this takes expertise and great knowledge of human behavior, a sharp intuitive sense and the ability to deal with ups and downs of the clients. For this position, students should never take things personally because clients will do what they want. As long as the student follows office guidelines and the laws of the county, city or state, the student should be fine and know what to do.
When I was a Social Service Case Manager, I had interaction with Probation Officers on behalf of my clients. They were always receptive, helpful, accessible and a pleasure to work with.
I hope this is helpful and I wish all future students going into this career all of the very best for their future !