Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists provide social services to people involved in the criminal justice system, either in custody or under community supervision. They develop rehabilitation plans, make recommendations for release conditions, and coordinate education and employment programs. They work in correctional facilities, probation departments, and parole agencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against probation officers and correctional treatment specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with clients to monitor compliance with probation or parole terms, conducting risk assessments, and preparing written reports for courts. Officers may visit clients' homes or workplaces, coordinate with social service agencies, attend court hearings, and participate in treatment planning meetings. Administrative work includes documenting case progress and maintaining detailed records.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCE. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you're drawn to helping others navigate social systems and prefer structured, rule-based environments. People with strong organizational skills and an interest in both human behavior and clear guidelines tend to thrive in this role.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Probation Officer · District of Columbia Courts · District of Columbia, District of Columbia · $68405–$88926
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Assistant Case Management Coordinator) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Federal Medical Center Carswell, Texas · $81186–$105547
- Supervisory Correctional Treatment Specialist - (Case Manager Coordinator) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Fort Devens, Massachusetts · $101375–$131790
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Specialty Treatment Program Specialist - Life Skills) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Coleman, Florida · $74678–$97087
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Special Population Program Coordinator) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Chicago, Illinois · $83482–$108533
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Reentry Affairs Coordinator) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Memphis, Tennessee · $74678–$97087
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Specialty Treatment Program Specialist - Advanced Care Level) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Coleman, Florida · $74678–$97087
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Estill, South Carolina · $63780–$97087
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $80,300 | $103,640 | $123,540 | 13,900 |
| Connecticut | $80,870 | $97,350 | $117,410 | 1,200 |
| Massachusetts | $74,210 | $94,590 | $114,420 | 1,200 |
| Oregon | $71,470 | $84,920 | $100,010 | 1,260 |
| Vermont | $73,670 | $83,820 | $91,120 | 190 |
| Washington | $76,190 | $82,750 | $94,420 | 2,150 |
| Delaware | $70,980 | $81,880 | $92,150 | 380 |
| Minnesota | $65,620 | $81,580 | $103,100 | 2,040 |
| New York | $68,510 | $80,350 | $96,160 | 4,360 |
| New Jersey | $58,770 | $80,280 | $105,120 | 2,890 |
| Michigan | $64,710 | $79,760 | $83,180 | 2,190 |
| Iowa | $62,070 | $77,390 | $83,250 | 950 |
All 46 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist (CCODS) — National Association of Forensic Counselors
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against probation officers and correctional treatment specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-1092.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.