Learn what it takes to become a juvenile probation officer. Follow a step-by-step guide on how to become a juvenile probation officer.
Working as a juvenile probation officer can be a rewarding, but sometimes difficult job. It requires working with young people who have often encountered difficult life circumstances.
Because the work can be sensitive, juvenile probation officers need to undergo education and training programs to help them do their jobs effectively.
Below, we'll break down exactly what a juvenile probation officer does and the five steps to become one.
What Does a Juvenile Probation Officer Do?
When someone gets in trouble with the law, they may be put on probation. This option is offered as an alternative to incarceration.
While on probation, the person on probation has to abide by certain rules, such as not being allowed to use firearms. Probation also has requirements, such as regularly reporting to a probation officer.
A probation officer is the person responsible for ensuring that the person on probation is meeting the requirements and following the terms of their probation.
Probation officers also help support the person on probation and provide access and information about social services.
Job duties for a probation officer may include:
- administering drug tests to the person on probation
- connecting a person on probation with any support services and resources they need
- determining what needs a person on probation has and how to best meet those needs
- guiding the person on probation through the probation process
- monitoring the person on probation to ensure they are following the terms of their probation
- performing risk assessments to determine if the person on probation poses a threat
- writing reports and maintaining case files
A juvenile probation officer works specifically with children under the age of 18 who are on probation.
The duties for a juvenile probation officer are no different, but working with juveniles requires a certain level of understanding of this age group.
To become a probation officer, you'll need to earn a degree and complete training. We'll break down the steps below.
Please note: requirements vary among states. We've listed the general steps, but always check your state's requirements.
<h2 id="section---Step1CheckYourStateSRequirements">Step 1: Check Your State's Requirements</h2><p>Probation officers are generally government employees, and the requirements to be a probation officer are set by the state.
</p><p>As a result, you'll need to check your state's requirements to determine what you need to do and in what order to become a probation officer.
</p><p>Some states require certification, while others require specific types of training. Knowing your state's requirements before you start will ensure you're on the right path.
</p><h2 id="section---Step2EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h2><p>A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum degree required to become a probation officer. Bachelor's degree programs usually require 120 credits and take about four years.
</p><p>Many probation officers hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. <b>Other degree options for probation officers include:</b>
</p><ul><li>behavioral science
</li><li>criminology
</li><li>human services
</li><li>psychology
</li><li>social work
</li><li>sociology
</li></ul><p>Your state may have specific requirements for the type of bachelor's degree a probation officer must hold, so check before you start a program.
</p><h2 id="section---Step3BeginATrainingProgram">Step 3: Begin a Training Program</h2><p>Once you've graduated with your bachelor's degree, you'll need to begin a probation officer training program.
</p><p>These programs may be offered by your state. Other states require employers to offer them to new employees.
</p><p>The amount of training you are required to receive varies between states as well. <b>Training often covers topics such as:</b>
</p><ul><li>case management
</li><li>counseling
</li><li>drug identification
</li><li>firearms
</li><li>first aid and CPR
</li><li>juvenile law
</li><li>legal liabilities
</li><li>mental illness recognition
</li><li>personal defense
</li><li>suicide prevention
</li></ul><p>This training is meant to give you everything you need to work as a probation officer.
</p><h2 id="section---Step4EarnCertification">Step 4: Earn Certification</h2><p>Certification requirements vary greatly by state. Some states don't require certification at all, while others require it before training and others after training.
</p><p>To become certified, you'll need to pass an exam, often a Civil Service Exam. <b>The exam may cover topics such as:</b>
</p><ul><li>counseling
</li><li>juvenile and family law
</li><li>probation procedures
</li><li>situational responses
</li></ul><p>Again, certification requirements vary between states, so check to see what the requirements are for the state you plan to work in.
</p><h2 id="section---Step5FinishTraining">Step 5: Finish Training</h2><p>In some states and for some employers, you are required to work as a trainee before working independently.
</p><p>This phase can last up to a year and often requires oversight from senior-level officers. This phase allows you to get hands-on experience and familiarize yourself with laws and procedures.
</p><p>Depending on your state, you may not have the chance to focus on juvenile cases specifically until you reach the trainee stage.
</p><p>You may be required to complete the trainee phase before your state will let you take the certification exam, so check your state requirements.
</p><h2 id="section---JuvenileProbationOfficerSalaryAndJobOutlook">Juvenile Probation Officer Salary and Job Outlook</h2><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degree Field</b></td><td>Criminal justice, psychology, or behavioral sciences</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td>State certification, training</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Annual Mean Salary (2023)*</b></td><td>$60,250</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Estimated Job Growth (2021-2031)*</b></td><td> 4%</td></tr>
</table><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't provide information about juvenile probation officers specifically, but it does have information about probation officers in general.
</p><p>Probation officers have a median annual salary of $60,250, with a range of about $37,380 to $99,090.
</p><p>The BLS projects that the job outlook for probation officers will stay about the same between 2021 and 2031.
</p><h2 id="section---StartYourJuvenileProbationOfficerCareerPathToday">Start Your Juvenile Probation Officer Career Path Today</h2><p>Juvenile probation officers have an important job in helping young people turn their lives around after a conviction. Becoming a juvenile probation officer requires education and training to do the job successfully.
</p><p>For help and resources to get you started, contact <i>Best Accredited Colleges</i> today.</p>
