What does a Juvenile Probation Officer do?
Published 3 min read
A juvenile probation officer is a professional who works with young offenders to help them reform their behavior and avoid future involvement in crime. The officer assesses the risk each offender poses to the community and develops individualized plans to supervision, counseling, and other services.
Juvenile Probation Officer job duties include:
- Establish and maintain contact with probationers and their families
- Investigate the background of each probationer in order to prepare pre-sentencing reports
- Recommend sentencing to the court based on the results of the investigation
- Monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions of probation
- Supervise and provide guidance to probationers
- Conduct home visits and school visits
- Keep detailed records of each probationer’s progress
- Testify in court as necessary
- Meet regularly with supervisors to discuss cases
Juvenile Probation Officer Job Requirements
Most juvenile probation officers have a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Some states require juvenile probation officers to be certified, and most states offer certification. Many juvenile probation officers have experience working with youth in a social service or law enforcement capacity.
Juvenile Probation Officer Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Communication
- Organization
- Writing
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Stress management
- Observation
Related: Top Juvenile Probation Officer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Juvenile Probation Officer
A juvenile probation officer is a professional who works with young offenders to help them reform their ways and avoid getting into further trouble with the law. If you have a passion for working with young people and want to make a difference in their lives, then a career as a juvenile probation officer may be for you. Here are some tips on how to become a juvenile probation officer:
1. Get a degree in social work, psychology, sociology or another relevant field. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for most positions, but some agencies may prefer or require candidates to have a master's degree.
2. Complete an internship with a juvenile justice agency. This will give you first-hand experience working with young offenders and will help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
3. Pass any required exams. Some states require juvenile probation officers to pass an exam before they can be licensed or certified.
4. Find a job with a juvenile justice agency. Start your career working with youth in the juvenile justice system and gain valuable experience that will help you in your future career as a juvenile probation officer.
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