Skip to content

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Community and Social Service (21-1092)

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.

At a Glance

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists earns a median of $64,520/yr with +2.6% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Attention to Detail, Getting Information.

Median Annual Wage

$64,520/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+2.6%

Annual Openings

8

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (11)

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.9
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.9
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.8
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.8
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.8
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.6
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.4
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.4

Knowledge (7)

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

4.4
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

4.3
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.1
Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

4.1
Therapy and Counseling

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

4.0
Sociology and Anthropology

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

3.6
Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

3.4

Abilities (10)

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.1
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.9
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.9
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.8
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.8
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.8
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.3

Technology (7)

Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Facebook

Category: Web page creation and editing software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (26)

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.8
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.4
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.3
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.3
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.1
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.9
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.9
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.9
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.8
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.8
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.8
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.7
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.6
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.6
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.5
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.5
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.4
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.4
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.4
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.3
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.3

Work Styles (4)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

5.0
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

4.3
Social Orientation

A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists.

Get Started Free