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Probation Officer/Parole Officer

State/Territory Specific Information

Probation officers and parole officers supervise offenders who have been placed on community-based orders by the courts and offenders released on parole from prison.

Probation officers and parole officers may perform the following tasks:

  • manage and supervise offenders who have received community-based supervision orders (e.g. community service, home detention, probation, bail or parole) and make sure that they comply with the relevant legislation and standards
  • monitor home detainees by means of home visits and electronic monitoring technology and report all breaches of conditions
  • develop and implement community-based work programs
  • assess placement and management of offenders placed on community service work orders, bonds, fine options and penalties
  • interview offenders, their families, employers and teachers to obtain information
  • submit reports and recommendations on whether parole should be granted
  • provide advice to assist the courts in determining the suitability of offenders to be placed on community-based orders
  • arrange the employment of offenders as directed by courts
  • identify the social development needs of offenders and refer them to appropriate programs
  • advise parolees and those on community-based orders, on matters such as education, employment, finance, housing and other community services which may help in their rehabilitation
  • conduct regular interviews with parolees and report on their progress
  • maintain contact with families to help solve problems of readjustment and rehabilitation
  • assist in preparing briefs for prosecuting offenders who fail to comply with community-based orders or breach parole conditions
  • maintain and develop client records and administrative procedures
  • take part in staff development and training programs, and provide training to new staff
  • participate on various committees to assist in policy, practice and community development.

Probation officers and parole officers may work in an office or in non- institutionalised community corrections centres. A proportion of their time is spent at court and visiting prisons to interview and assess offenders and prisoners.

Personal Requirements:

  • maturity, patience, tolerance and discretion
  • able to assess people and situations
  • genuine interest in people and their welfare
  • good communication skills.

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