What is a Probation Officer?
- Job Description, Duties &
Requirements:
So, you think you want to be a probation officer? A probation officer is an individual who meets with
adults or juveniles who have been placed on probation by an order of the court because of a
conviction for a criminal offense. This lesson goes over the many duties and requirements to work in
this field.
Probation officers manage offenders to protect the public and reduce the incidence of
reoffending. They also help offenders to make better life choices. As a probation officer, you'll
work with offenders in courts, in the community and in custody to make communities safer.
Probation Officer Career
As an alternative to incarceration in county, state or federal penitentiary, probation may be
implemented to place restrictions on an offender’s rights and freedoms as a means of
punishment. Probation is an option only available to non-violent offenders.
Probation officer in Pakistan: The Probation of Offenders Ordinance (1960), was
promulgated by the President of Pakistan to cater to the needs of first-time offenders who can
be rehabilitated under the supervision and proper guidance of the probation officer without
being sent to prison. the supervision of the criminal by the probation officer.
What Is a Probation Officer?
A probation officer is an officer of the court who regularly meets individuals who have been
sentenced to complete a period of supervised probation. These individuals are typically
misdemeanor offenders and some lower-level felony offenders. First-time offenders form a large
majority of those placed on probation. Placing someone on supervised probation is a way in which
the court diverts individuals away from incarceration in jail.
Those on probation live in our communities, remain at home, are employed or enrolled in an
educational program, and raise their families. The goal of the justice system is to have an individual
who is placed on probation be a proactive member of society while maintaining interaction with their
family and sources of support in the community.
While on probation, an individual may be ordered to participate in substance abuse or domestic
violence assessment to discern if counseling is in order. Additionally, individuals may have to
participate in monitored sobriety by doing Breathalyzer or urinalysis tests. Requiring an individual to
continue their schooling and/or work is another typical condition.
Responsibilities
A probation officer will need to meet with their client on a monthly or sometimes weekly basis. Based
on a risk/needs assessment, the probation officer will determine the level of supervision a person
requires (minimum, medium, or maximum level). This helps to determine how much support and
supervision an offender needs.
Assessments gauge how involved an individual is in a community, often referred to as
their community ties. The assessment also tests how likely someone is to commit further crimes.
Each time a probation client meets with his/her probation officer, they will need to fill out a report
form.
Peoples' lives often change due to unemployment, gaining employment, or divorce. Meeting with a
client allows the probation officer to see where additional support is needed so the client can be
successful.
Therefore, while a person begins at a maximum level of supervision (weekly meetings), this does not
mean that they will continue at this level throughout their probationary term. Probation officers are
required to consistently revise a probationer's case plan, a notation in the client's file of:
What counseling services the client is seeking
Where they are working
What goals the client has for the short and long term
What struggles the client foresees in staying sober, and
What resources the individual has to overcome obstacles
Probation Officer Job Summary
We are currently seeking an experienced, reliable, and committed probation officer to join our
corrections department. In this role, you will have an opportunity to positively impact the lives of
adult offenders. You will foster positive relationships with individual offenders, make home visits
and assess the community of probationers, connect them with needed resources, and ensure
that they are in compliance with all the requirements of their probation.
Probation Officer Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct office and/or home visits with offenders
Ensure each individual is in compliance with their probation requirements
Provide a positive influence and help probationers make good decisions
Refer probationers to all necessary services e.g. substance abuse treatment, therapy
Facilitate support groups as needed
Document all visits, calls, and assessments including keeping casefile up to date
Administer court-ordered and/or random drug screenings as directed
Document and report all violations of probation requirements to supervisor
Aid in the writing of violation warrants
Work with officers to serve warrants and conduct arrests for probation violators
Maintain compliance with all legal and departmental requirements and guidelines
Probation Officer Requirements and Qualifications
Associate’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field—BS/BA preferred
Valid state probation officer certification
Certifications in conflict and anger management and substance abuse treatment
Valid driver’s license
At least 21 years of age
Ability to meet departmental requirements for certification in use of a firearm
Ability to pass a criminal background check
Significant experience working with adult offenders in the criminal justice system
Minimum 2 years’ experience in probation, parole, corrections, or related field
Previous experience in counseling or social work is a plus
Strong computer skills, including database use and Microsoft Office
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Availability on weekends and evening on occasion is required
Bilingual is a plus
Similar Job Titles
Probation Officer Assistant
Probation Clerk
Probation Service Officer
Parole Officer
Corrections Officer
Social Worker
Changes in the level of supervision can occur because the probationer becomes more involved in
the community or their risk for drug usage is reduced. The probation officer may determine that the
client is now at a minimum risk of reoffending. As long as the client complies with the terms and
conditions of the court, they will now only need to meet with their probation officer once per month.
Probation officers also need to be skilled at collaborating with external agencies. For instance, if you
were a juvenile probation officer, you would typically be required to meet with school officials;
parents; social service workers; therapists; and a GAL (guardian ad litem), an attorney appointed
by the court to ensure that the best interests of the juvenile are followed.
Additional Activities
Prompts about Probation Officers:
Essay Prompt 1:
In approximately one page, write an essay that defines the what it means to be a probation
officer and describes the characteristics of probation.
Example: People on probation likely committed misdemeanors or lower-level felonies, and
being on probation allows them to remain out of jail.
Essay Prompt 2:
Write an essay of at least one page that describes the importance of risk/needs assessments.
Be sure to answer the following question: How might a probation officer determine when to
reduce the level of probationary supervision?
Example: A client recently started a new job that he really enjoys, and so the probation officer
determined that it would be ok to transition from weekly meetings with the client to monthly
ones.
Graphic Organizer Prompt:
Make a poster or chart that lists the elements of a case plan.
Example: If you are a visual learner, you could draw a beer bottle with an "X" across it to
indicate sobriety.
List Prompt 1:
Make a list of at least five external agents that a probation officer might have to meet with.
Example: Guardian ad litem.
List Prompt 2:
Make a list of at least ten requirements for becoming a probation officer. Note that some
requirements vary by state.
Example: In some states, probation officers are required to carry a weapon.
1. People who influence the opinions of others by openly and publicly
expressing their ideas are known as _____.
a. representative leaders
b. political leaders
c. economic leaders
d. opinion leaders
2. Which of the following can influence public opinion?
a. News media
b. Socioeconomic status
c. Major world events
d. All of these can influence public opinion
1. People who influence the opinions of others by openly and publicly
expressing their ideas are known as _____.
a. representative leaders
b. political leaders
c. economic leaders
d. opinion leaders
2. Which of the following can influence public opinion?
a. News media
b. Socioeconomic status
c. Major world events
d. All of these can influence public opinion
