Probation or Parole Officer
Are you right for the job?
Thinking of a career as a probation officer or parole officer? Check out this list of skills and learn how to develop them.
Ability to Interact with Others
Probation officers or parole officers must earn the trust and respect of the offenders they are responsible for. Even though some offenders may seem hard to communicate with, probation and parole officers need to show they are open to talking.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You know how to make friends easily.
- You adapt quickly to people from different cultures, backgrounds and ages.
- You can negotiate with friends to solve problems.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Register in an extra-curricular activity where you don’t know anyone else.
- Become a youth mediator to help other kids in your school resolve their differences.
- Get in the habit of introducing yourself first to people you don’t know and start conversations with them.
Firmness
It is up to probation officers and parole officers to help offenders stay on track. They must ensure that offenders follow the conditions for their probation or parole. This takes firmness and knowing how to react when an offender tries to intimidate them or challenge their authority.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You can defend a very controversial position during a discussion, even if all your friends disagree with you.
- You are clear with your feelings when you are not happy with certain situations, such as when someone shows up late for a meeting.
- You know how to keep control of the situation and be firm about the rules when you are babysitting.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Work with children as an assistant coach or become the referee of a sport.
- Get in the habit of staying firm in your decisions and ideas.
- Establish a budget for the next year and stick to it despite the temptation to spend, with the goal of saving and buying something you really want.
Analytical Skills
The criminal world is not as clear cut as you might think. It is not as if those involved are either entirely good or entirely bad. For this reason, probation officers and parole officers must be able to analyse the situation, so that they can write accurate reports, and evaluate an offender’s progress.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You often guess the ending to a suspense movie or crime novel.
- You find it easy to understand new material at school.
- You are curious and like to work on complex problems, such as Sudoku.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Read interesting books and tell your friends about them in your own words.
- Watch informative TV shows and documentaries on a variety of subjects, such as politics, technology or sciences.
- Play games that require logic and strategy, such as chess, checkers or Risk.
Diplomacy
Probation officers and parole officers often work in intense situations. These officers must be diplomatic in order to defuse any crises and find the right order to defuse any crises and find the right words to calm everyone down and prevent violence from erupting.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You know how to give someone constructive criticism without hurting his or her feelings.
- You know how to keep sensitive information private and don't spread rumours.
- You are known for being polite to everyone.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Take an etiquette class to better understand social rules, good manners and politeness.
- Make a habit of choosing your words carefully before presenting ideas about sensitive subjects.
- Take advantage of opportunities to act as a host or hostess for school events.
