41311 – Probation and parole officers

Lead statement

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.

Main duties

• Interview inmates to assess adjustment problems and develop suitable rehabilitation programs
• Prepare reports for the recommendation of security level, penitentiary placement, type of incarceration and types of interventions considered most beneficial for the rehabilitation of the inmates
• Interview offenders, police, family, friends, school authorities and employers to prepare pre-sentence reports and assess offenders' prospects for successful reintegration into the community
• Plan rehabilitation programs with inmates, establishing rules of conduct, goals and objectives
• Refer inmates and offenders to community and social service programs, as required
• Supervise the terms of a probation order and attend court
• Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans
• Recommend remedial action or initiate court action when terms of probation or parole are violated
• Attend court proceedings to provide expert testimony on an inmate’s case as well as detention and dangerous offenders status court rulings
• May perform administrative duties and supervise support staff
• May participate in policy development.

Employment requirements

• 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.

Example job titles

parole supervisor · classification counsellor - corrections · clemency officer - corrections · parole officer · probation and parole officer · probation officer

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.