How To Become A Parole Officer: Career And Salary Information
The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is an important life skill that can be used in any job. When you work as a parole officer, that skill is put to good use daily. There is more information you can read in this article about this career.
In this role, you will help people who have been convicted of a crime and serve time in prison by monitoring their progress while they are incarcerated. You also continue to meet with them after they are released.
If you are interested in becoming a parole officer, there are several steps you’ll need to take before starting this career path. Check out more insight below.
What is a Parole Officer?
A parole officer is a person who works for the government to provide supervision to people who have been convicted of a crime and are serving time in prison. It is also the parole officer’s responsibility to help those same people transition back into society once they are released from prison.
It is a challenging job that requires a strong understanding of the criminal justice system as well as empathy and a sense of compassion. If you become a parole officer, you will spend most of your time visiting with people who are currently incarcerated or who have recently been released from prison. You will gather information from them to determine if they are eligible to be released on parole.
Once someone becomes eligible for parole, you will work with the parole board to create a plan for how they will transition back into society and stay out of trouble. You will help them find housing, a job, and transportation. You will guide them in finding programs and services designed to help them avoid crime, get an education, and keep a job.
You will also be tasked with collecting reports from them regularly and appearing in court when they have a hearing because they broke one of the terms of their parole.
How to Become a Parole Officer
If you want to become a parole officer, you will need to take a few steps before you apply for the job. While there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a parole officer, most employers will prefer candidates who have a degree in criminology, psychology, or sociology. You should also be able to pass a psychological exam.
Some employers may also accept an associate’s degree in law enforcement or a related field. If you don’t have the right degree but are still interested in pursuing a career as a parole officer, you can apply to be an intern with the parole department in your state. However, all states don’t accept interns.
What Is a Typical Parole Officer’s Salary?
As of 2022, the average parole officer’s salary is $61,000 per year, according to Salary.com. The range for this position is typically between $59,000 and $68,000 per year. Parole officers who work for the federal government tend to make more money than those who work for state or local agencies.
The job outlook for parole officers is positive. The number of positions is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029.
Ranked Jobs for Those Who Want to Be Parole Officers
If you are not completely sure about becoming a parole officer but want a similar job, here are a few to consider.
Correctional Officer
A correctional officer works with people who are currently incarcerated in prisons or other detention facilities. They help to keep the facility safe by patrolling and responding to incidents, assisting medical staff, and monitoring the inmates. They must be aware of and enforce the facility’s rules and regulations as well as state laws.
Most employers prefer candidates who have some experience working in law enforcement, medicine, or as a security guard.
Police Officer
A police officer is responsible for keeping the public safe. They respond to crime scenes, conduct investigations, and arrest people who break the law. They also respond to emergencies that don’t involve the law, such as car accidents and medical emergencies.
Security Officer
A security officer is responsible for keeping an area or building safe. They monitor people who enter the area and watch for suspicious activity. If necessary, they will detain or arrest people who break the law.
Final Words: Is Being A Parole Officer Right For You?
If you want to become a parole officer, you should have a strong desire to help people and a willingness to work with people who are dealing with difficult circumstances. You should also be comfortable working in a high-stress environment and be able to handle difficult situations without letting them get to you. The job involves long hours and stress. You will be expected to travel a lot and work overtime when necessary. Being a parole officer can be both challenging and rewarding. You can help people who need it while also helping to make your community safer.
