Parole Supervisor, Probation Officer
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 | $33.31 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $42.06 |
| Top | $43.41 |
Interest in mentoring in order to plan rehabilitation programs with offenders by establishing rules of conduct, goals and objectives; and in referring offenders to community and social service programs
Interest in co-ordinating information to compile case records and in submitting information and recommendations to parole boards; may perform administrative duties
Interest in supervising the terms of probation orders, and in recommending remedial action or initiating court action when probationers or parolees violate the terms of rehabilitation programs; may supervise support staff
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.
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, parole officers:
Those working in the private sector are called parole supervisors. They are contracted to supervise parolees who live in communities and rural areas where Correctional Services of Canada does not maintain an office.
In general, probation officers:
Parole and probation officers must be aware of available community resources such as psychiatric services and addiction treatment centres in addition to having a working knowledge of client behaviour and motivation.
Parole and probation officers work in offices and courthouses, and visit offenders' homes and workplaces. Parole officers also work in penitentiaries.
Parole and probation officers sometimes work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to interview offenders and their associates.
Parole and probation officers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy dealing with and helping people, having clear rules and organized methods, and supervising others.
Parole officers employed by the federal government must have at least a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a specialization in sociology, psychology or criminology, or a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies degree. Some parole officers have a master's degree or equivalent.
Parole supervisors employed in the private sector must have at least a two year college diploma in a related field.
Probation officers employed by the provincial government must have at least a two year diploma or a university degree in a directly related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. For probation officers engaged in a more dynamic counselling model, a four year bachelor's degree specializing in justice or human services may be required.
Knowledge of Aboriginal culture or languages is an asset for parole and probation officers.
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.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Parole officers are employed by Correctional Services of Canada and private agencies under contract to Correctional Services of Canada. Those employed by Correctional Services of Canada must complete a probationary period of one year. Advancement to section supervisor and area manager positions is based on merit and experience.
Probation officers are employed by the Government of Alberta.
Parole and probation officers 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 in this occupation will be 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 2015 probation officers employed by the provincial government earned $30 to $42 per hour.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $30.99 | $37.85 | $33.31 | $33.74 |
| Overall | $33.74 | $47.52 | $42.06 | $42.43 |
| Top | $40.06 | $47.82 | $43.41 | $43.63 |
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* 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 | $80,491 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $80,043 |
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: justice.alberta.ca
Correctional Services of Canada website: www.csc-scc.gc.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. 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.