Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
SOC: 21-1092.00
Common Job Titles
Correctional CounselorJuvenile Probation OfficerParole Officer (PO)Probation Officer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive rehabilitation plans incorporating conditional release, education, and employment stipulations for law offenders in custody, on probation, or parole, integrating therapy and counseling principles.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate offender risk assessments and compliance with legal and treatment requirements using knowledge of law, psychology, and public safety standards to inform recommendations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess case information from multiple sources including court records, interviews, and monitoring data to determine compliance with probation or parole conditions and identify intervention needs.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze behavioral patterns and risk factors applying knowledge of sociology, psychology, and therapy to support decision-making about offender supervision levels.Proficient
- MindsetBalance public safety concerns with offender rehabilitation needs when making recommendations to the court or parole board under regulatory and ethical guidelines.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate social perceptiveness and active listening skills with service orientation when interacting with offenders, families, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to build rapport and trust.Proficient
- KnowledgeCompose detailed case reports, progress evaluations, and violation documentation using case management software and word processing tools to maintain accurate records for legal proceedings.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate supervision activities and service referrals across multiple cases managing caseloads independently while prioritizing high-risk offenders and compliance monitoring.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for offender access to community resources including employment, education, and treatment services while maintaining accountability standards and public safety priorities.Proficient
- KnowledgeJudge appropriate interventions and sanctions for probation or parole violations exercising critical thinking and judgment to balance corrective action with rehabilitative goals.Proficient
- MindsetEngage law offenders in supportive, goal-oriented relationships to foster accountability, behavioral change, and successful community reintegration.Developing
- Hands-onOperate electronic monitoring equipment, drug testing kits, and breathalyzers following established protocols to verify offender compliance with supervision conditions.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
86,820
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $45,390 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $106,290 |
| Workers on average earn | $71,530 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Law and Government4.4/5
- Public Safety and Security4.3/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Psychology4.1/5
- Therapy and Counseling4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
FacebookMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Appointment scheduling softwareCase management softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteCourt records databasesCustomer relationship management CRM softwareElectronic tracking device softwareEmail softwareLinkedIn
Tools & Equipment
BreathalyzersDesktop computersDictating equipmentDrug testing kitsElectronic tracking devicesLaptop computersLaser facsimile machinesLaw enforcement handguns