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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:
| Starting | $33.83 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $42.52 |
| Top | $43.88 |
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
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 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.
Correctional services workers work in correctional or young offenders centres. They:
Correctional services workers who work inside a residential correctional facility or young offender centre manage the behaviour of the offenders assigned to them. They also monitor their security.
Youth justice workers work in young offender centres or open custody group homes. They work with young people who have been charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and are in custody or temporary detention. In general, youth justice workers:
Living unit officers work in residential correctional facilities. They work with adult offenders. They have a variety of security and casework duties. They may:
Correctional centre caseworkers usually:
Work hours and settings vary widely depending on the role. For example, correctional services workers who escort offenders on day parole may take them to visit parents in hospital. Institutional staff work shifts.
Physical requirements also vary. Correctional services workers may sometimes need to restrain offenders. They must be ready to respond if a dangerous situation arises. This may happen during security checks or when orienting new offenders.
Correctional services workers need:
They should enjoy:
Entry-level correctional services worker positions generally require a 2-year diploma or a university degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Knowledge of Indigenous culture or languages is an asset.
Federal correctional services workers need to 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Correctional services workers mainly work in:
They may work for:
Experienced correctional services workers may advance to supervisory positions. If they have the qualifications, they may transfer to other areas in correctional service.
Correctional services workers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4155: Probation and Parole Officers and Related Occupations. In Alberta, 96% of people employed in this classification work in Public Administration [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 4155: Probation and parole officers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $30.99 | $39.98 | $33.83 | $33.74 |
| Overall | $33.49 | $47.82 | $42.52 | $43.15 |
| Top | $38.33 | $50.18 | $43.88 | $43.63 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $81,118 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $80,817 |
Correctional Service Canada website: www.csc-scc.gc.ca
Government of Alberta website, Justice and Solicitor General: www.alberta.ca/ministry-justice-solicitor-general.aspx
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.