The average Parole Officer salary in Ontario, CA is $62,089 as of July 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $55,151 and $69,028. Parole officers and probation officers help offenders integrate back into the community.
At the same time, they protect the community by supervising offenders who have been released newly. Parole officers are employed by the Correctional Service of Canada to manage the conditional release of federal and provincial offenders.
When an incarcerated individual is released from prison while the time limit of his/her original sentence still remains (typically for good behavior or other extenuating circumstances), that prisoner is said to be on parole. A parole officer is a specialized worker in the criminal justice system who helps these paroled persons to get re-acquainted with life outside the penal system.
They help place these persons in temporary housing and work with them regarding job training and placement while closely monitoring their behavior and social acquaintances.
One of the first things a parole officer must do is place a newly-paroled prisoner in some sort of housing. While some persons are granted early release from jail because they have a family home, in other situations the parole officer must secure subsidized housing arrangements for the individual.
Most jurisdictions have such housing arrangements available, and the availability of these rooms or small apartments is also a consideration when granting parole to a prisoner.
Parole officers also work with parolees to help find jobs and train for them, which involves enrolling parolees in training that fits their aptitude, but can also include finding jobs and other opportunities which build upon any education and training acquired through vocational rehabilitation while in prison.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a parole officer’s job involves post-release monitoring of a parolee. The officer may need to arrange for outpatient addiction meetings and drug testing as part of the parole agreement, and they also keep close tabs on each parolee under their responsibility by visiting them at home and work, and monitoring their travel, which is usually restricted.
Probation and parole officers require a university degree (as opposed to a college diploma). Parole officers work with federal offenders, while probation officers work with offenders at the provincial level.
One interesting aspect of parole work, specifically, is that special training is required in order to work with female offenders (the training occurs after you’re employed in the field). Correctional Services Canada also offers yearly training programs for parole officers to update their skills in certain areas, such as supervising Aboriginal offenders, or working with dangerous offenders.
Parole and probation officers share the same government job classification as psychologists, counsellors, clergy and social workers. The prospects for these jobs, according to Employment and Social Development Canada, are good.
Probation officers and parole officers are also there to assist with the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into society and to help prevent offenders from committing another crime. Depending on the situation, officers may help offenders:
- Find employment;
- Look for housing;
- Make new friends; or
- Deal with addictions.
Together with the offender, the officer will develop an individual intervention plan aimed at, first and foremost, eliminating the offenders “criminogenic” needs (i.e., what drives their criminal behavior). The officer’s role is to: Understand the problems an offender is dealing with; and provide counselling to offenders and refer them to community organizations or programs that may be helpful to them.
There is currently no particular program for becoming a probation or parole officer. However, a university degree of two years, preferably in social sciences, is usually required. For example, in British Columbia, you have to complete a four years undergrad diploma to become an adult probation officer.
You must also complete the training given by your province or territory’s correctional services. Any prior experience working with offenders is a major asset.
How Much Do Parole Officers Make in Canada?
Salary range of parole officers can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
The average Parole Officer salary in Ontario, CA is $62,089 as of July 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $55,151 and $69,028. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, parole officers start out making around $61,600 per year. As they accumulate seniority, their salary tops out at around $81,600. Probation officers are paid according to the province in which they work.