A juvenile probation officer plays a special role in the life of a young person who commits crimes. As a juvenile probation officer, you have the power to be a very positive force in a person’s journey toward rehabilitation. You can help a young person stay away from crime, pursue his or her education and escape a cycle of crime. If you enjoy the thought of making a positive difference in the lives of young people, then you will like being a juvenile probation officer. Maybe you have thought, “How do I become a juvenile probation officer?” To become a juvenile probation officer, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree that relates to criminal justice or juvenile probation.
Featured Criminal Justice Programs
- American InterContinental University – Bachelor (BSCJ) – Corrections and Case Management
- Rasmussen College – Criminal Justice Bachelor’s – Client Services/Corrections
- Walden University – B.S. in Criminal Justice – Crime and Criminals
What’s it like to be a juvenile probation officer?
When you become a juvenile probation officer, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work helps young people escape a system of crime or poverty. You will have the task of checking in with young people to make sure that they have completed their time in a juvenile detention center. You will also make sure that a person is completing his or her community service hours. Another condition of probation may be that a young person obtains his or her education and attends all classes. You have a powerful role in making sure that a young person stays away from crime and makes choices that can benefit his or her future. Juvenile probation officers typically have a passion for helping young people turn a negative past into a learning experience for the future. You may even counsel young people and help them deal with the trauma that they have experienced in being involved in crime in the past.
Education Requirements
To become a juvenile probation officer, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a college. You will need to pursue an area of study that relates to juvenile probation. The typical four-year degrees that people choose to complete have a focus in criminal justice, juvenile probation, social work or psychology. Police science and political science are a couple of other options that may relate to this career choice. You should have the ability to relate well with young people. Strong communication skills are essential if you want to enter into this field. You should also have a strong understanding of human nature and an ability to counsel people through difficult times. Often, a young person enters the world of crime due to the influence of his or her parents or negative societal forces. You should be able to have a certain level of compassion for individuals who have entered the world of crime due to their upbringing. Individuals who are raised in impoverished parts of the country have a greater tendency to become part of a gang or be involved in theft.
Salary & How to Get a Job
The average salary of a juvenile probation officer is about $47,000 a year. A juvenile probation officer usually works about 40 hours a week. He or she may work extra hours if a particular young person needs extra attention or counseling. To obtain a position in this field, you should apply for positions within a juvenile detention center. You can also apply for a position in the State Department of Corrections.
Being a juvenile probation officer gives you the tremendous ability to make a positive impact on society. You have the power to get children back on the right track. You also have the ability to make sure that justice is upheld in greater society.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4431305_become-juvenile-probation-officer.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm