Probation & Parole Officers
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Probation officers monitor the conduct and behavior of criminal offenders serving probation terms. Parole officers monitor the reintegration of criminal offenders serving the remainder of sentences while conditionally released into the community on parole. Classification officers assess inmates and develop rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders who are incarcerated in correctional facilities. They are employed by federal and provincial governments and work in the community and in correctional facilities. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below.
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta- based occupational information
- Sokanu: Probation Officer - occupational information and videos
- Probation officer job classification - from Manitoba Civil Service Commission
- Job profile: Parole Officer - Correctional Service of Canada
- Careers in Justice: Probation & Parole Officer - CliquezJustice.ca (JustJustice.ca)
- Meet Hamza Al-Baghdadi: Parole Officer Supervisor - CBC's Keeping Canada Safe
- Interview - A working life: The probation officer - from The Guardian (U.K.)
- A day in the Life of a 'Newly Qualified' Probation Officer - Confederation of European Probation
Education
A bachelor's degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related science discipline is required. A master's degree may be required (NOC). Students may pursue training at U of M. Please contact Correctional Service Canada and Manitoba Justice Department for more information.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Information for foreign-trained probation and parole officers - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S.)
- Government of Canada - Rates of Pay - see CX Correctional Services, Appendix A
- MGEU Collective Agreements - see Civil Service Master Agreement - Locals 1 - 55
- Canada's Best Jobs 2014 - Canadian Business magazine
- What does a Probation Officer do?- CareerExplorer
- Probation Officer Careers - Justice Institute British Columbia
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Manitoba Criminal Justice Association
- American Probation and Parole Association
- Become a Probation and Parole Officer- Ontario
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Department of Justice - Community Safety Division (Community Corrections, Adult and Youth Correctional Centres)
- Correctional Service of Canada - National facility directory
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- Correctional Services Canada - Careers at the CSC
- Manitoba Government Job Opportunities
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience.
- Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba - supports needs of women who are in conflict with the law
- John Howard Society of Canada - aims to understand and respond to problems of crime, to work with people who have come into conflict with the law, and to review/evaluate/advocate for changes in the criminal justice process
- Future Hope - community organization supporting male ex-offenders
- Salvation Army - Correctional and Justice Services
- Parole Board of Canada
- Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy - Manitoba Justice
- Restorative Justice - Department of Justice, Government of Canada