The job nature of juvenile probation officers is quite sensitive. They have to deal with the youth convicted of criminal activity and make sure they stay on the right side of the law from that point onwards. The job requires a lot of patience and empathy, among other things.

Should I Become a Juvenile Probation officer in US?

If you want to help underage children from committing any future crimes, then a career as a juvenile probation officer will be perfect for you. The following are the details about the profession.

 

Education

 

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Major RequirementCriminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, etc.
License/CertificationSome states might require certification
Experience/TrainingPractical Training
Key SkillsPatience, Eye for Detail, Meticulous, etc.
Annual Mean Salary – National (2020)$61,900 (Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists)
4% (Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists)
Job Outlook (2020 – 2030)4% (Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists)

 

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

The job outlook is quite favorable for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists in the US. They are expected to enjoy 4% employment opportunities between 2020 and 2030, which is as fast as average for other occupations.

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Steps to Become a Juvenile Probation officer

Candidates have to complete the steps mentioned below to become juvenile probation officers in the US.

Get the Degree

Candidates will have to get a bachelor’s or a master’s degree as the first step. The educational requirements will vary according to the job posting requirements, so please check the exact academic requirements for accurate information.

Apply for a Job

The next step is to apply for the position of a juvenile probation officer. The vacancies might not be open all the time so keep checking regularly.

Clear the Interview and Background Check

Candidates will then have to clear an interview. Once the interview is cleared, a thorough examination of the candidates’ background history will be conducted. The candidates will also have to clear a drug test to clear the hiring process.

Get Hired

The candidates will then get hired as juvenile probation officers. Some jobs might also require aspiring juvenile probation officers to work as trainees for up to a year before being made permanent. These requirements will vary from job-to-job.

Complete a State Training (If Needed)

Some states might require juvenile probation officers to get some training before being hired for the job. Please check the requirements before applying for the position.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Juvenile Probation officer?

The duration to become a juvenile probation officer varies from state to state and as per job requirements. Usually it would take anywhere between 5 to 8 years after high school to become a juvenile probation officer.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Juvenile Probation officer?

  • Get a bachelor’s or a master’s degree
  • Apply for a job
  • Clear the interview and background check
  • Clear drug screening
  • Get hired
  • Complete state training (If needed)

How Much Does a Juvenile Probation officer Earn in the US?

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists earned $61,900 in mean annual income in 2020, according to the figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Below is a list of the five highest paying US states for this occupation.

How Much Does a Juvenile Probation officer Earn in the US

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics