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Correctional Centre Caseworker, Living Unit Officer, Youth Justice Worker
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Correctional services workers are responsible for the supervision, case planning, and programming for individuals in residential correctional facilities such as correctional, remand, or young offender centres.
Correctional services workers:
Work hours and settings vary widely depending on the role. For example, correctional services workers who escort individuals on day parole may take them to visit parents in hospital. Some correctional services workers may need to work shifts in a 24-hour period. This can include working on weekends and holidays. Others work regular business hours.
Physical requirements also vary. Correctional services workers may sometimes need to help other workers physically control individuals engaged in dangerous behaviour. Some clients may be unpredictable or hostile so workers must be ready to respond if a dangerous situation arises. This may happen during security checks or when orienting new offenders.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in mentoring in order to plan rehabilitation programs with offenders by identifying needs and setting goals and objectives; and in advising and counselling inmates regarding their problems
Interest in co-ordinating information to prepare classification reports
Interest in recommending types of incarceration and interventions considered most beneficial for the rehabilitation of inmates, and in developing suitable rehabilitation programs
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Correctional services workers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 21 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 03, 2022 and Jul 09, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Security and Safety: Criminal record check | 17 |
|---|---|
| Work Setting: Urban area | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 17 |
| Construction Specialization: Interpersonal awareness | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Values and ethics | 16 |
| Attention to detail | 15 |
| Work under pressure | 13 |
Entry-level correctional services workers in Government of Alberta positions require 1 of the following:
Correctional services workers in Government of Canada positions must be Level 1 correctional peace officers first. For more information, see the Correctional Peace Officer occupational profile.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Correctional services workers mainly work in correctional centres and young offender centres.
They work for the Government of Alberta in provincial facilities or for the Government of Canada in federal facilities.
In the Government of Alberta, advancement beyond an entry-level position requires 1 of the following:
Experienced correctional services workers may advance to supervisory positions. The skills and competencies of a correctional service worker are transferable to other government jobs and opportunities within related fields.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Probation and parole officers and related occupations
2016 NOC: 4155
96.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Correctional services worker salaries in the Government of Alberta range from $59,744 to $84,097 (Source: Government of Alberta, 2023 estimates).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.50 | $36.96 | $22.61 | $20.39 |
| Overall | $16.74 | $46.35 | $25.52 | $22.11 |
| Top | $19.95 | $48.41 | $28.55 | $24.55 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $42,534 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $40,408 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $40,030 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $41,276 |
| Educational Services | $60,171 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $34,985 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $41,663 |
| Public Administration | $81,722 |
Correctional Service of Canada website: www.csc-scc.gc.ca/index-en.shtml
Government of Alberta, Public Safety and Emergency Services website: www.alberta.ca/public-safety-and-emergency-services.aspx
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 23, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
