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Probation Officer
Description:
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Supervises offenders who have been placed on probation by court order or
released conditionally from correction institutions.
Typical Work Tasks (may include any combination of the following):
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Supervises offenders on probation and parole; assesses clients' needs and plans
develops and implements educational, training and support programmes;
interviews clients and assesses the nature and extent of difficulties; monitors and
reports on the progress of clients; refers clients to agencies that can provide
additional help; completes administrative work which may include written
correspondence and reports.
Typical Work Environment:
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Works indoors in offices within government probation services.
Frequently works away from the office, at prison, in court or checking on clients in
their homes or workplaces.
Usually works in adequately heated and ventilated offices as a base, but may
work in a variety of community environments.
May work with people in very stressful and distressing personal situations.
Offenders may at times be aggressive, violent and hostile. Systems to
maintain worker’s safety should be utilised at all times.
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Typical Physical and Mental Demands :
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Sedentary physical demand level.
Frequently sits when meeting with clients and when completing reports or case
notes.
Stretching up and reaching across is not a significant component of the job.
Bending squatting, crouching and kneeling is not a significant component.
Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant component of the job.
Contact with skin irritants or water is not a significant component of the job.
Lifting, carrying and holding is not a significant component of the job.
Repetitive movement of the hands is likely on an occasional to frequent basis to
facilitate the use of a computer.
Driving is likely to be frequently required.
Use of objects will include computers, diaries and other record-keeping and
office equipment.
Mental skills necessary include assessment, analysis, communication, decisionmaking, report writing, knowledge of relevant criminal justice legislation and good
communication skills with cultural sensitivity and knowledge.
Further Comments:
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There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.
Key Entry Requirements (Skill Level/Qualifications/Licenses):
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A tertiary qualification in an area such as psychology, criminology, sociology or
social work is preferred but not essential (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). A driver’s
licence is required. Candidates are not considered if they have received a
custodial sentence for a crime.
This document is based on ANZSCO, 2013 (code 411714). Other sources of information that may have been
consulted are industry contacts, employers, newspapers and internet-based sources. For physical demand level
definitions see Matheson, L.N. (2003). Functional Capacity Evaluation.
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