Probation and Parole Officers
Formal Description
“Probation officers monitor the conduct and behaviour of criminal offenders serving probation terms and serving sentences of two years less a day. They are employed by provincial government. Parole officers monitor the reintegration of criminal offenders serving the remainder of sentences on conditional release and individuals that are subject to a long term supervision order. They also assess inmates and develop rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders who are incarcerated in correctional facilities. They are employed by federal and provincial governments. Both, probation and parole officers work in the community and in correctional facilities including young offender’s correctional facilities.” (NOC 2021)
Sample Job Titles
This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:
Classification Counsellor - corrections
Parole Officer
Parole Supervisor
Probation Officer
Typical Employment and Education Requirements
The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.
The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:
- “A bachelor’s degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related social science discipline is required.”
- “A master’s degree in social work, criminology, psychology or other related social science discipline may be required.”
Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond
When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:
- Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
- Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
- Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.
Related Sectors
Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:
Academic Program Connections
As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:
Health, Aging & Society Learn More
This degree enhances understanding of social determinants of health, aiding in addressing issues like addiction, homelessness, and mental illness.
Social Psychology Learn More
Knowing how people think, feel, and behave in social contexts is crucial for de-escalating conflicts and building trust, especially in high-stress situations.
Social Work Learn More
Understanding diverse populations and emphasizing cultural sensitivity helps in supporting clients from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, building trust and rapport.
Sociology Learn More
A degree in Sociology explores societal functions, social problems, and group behaviour dynamics, which aids in understanding root causes and community structures’ influence on behaviour.
