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The end result of a good Probation Officer or Correctional Counselor Resume

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Probation Officer Resume

If you're a Probation Officer or Correctional Counselor, you know what your job entails. You meet with offenders to determine the appropriate treatment, design personalized treatment plans, provide offenders with other help resources, supervise offenders and check their progress, visit the offenders' families and friends to obtain information and update them on progress, provide counseling, and document all activity in reports.

Whew. OK -- but the question now is, how do you translate that information onto a resume in such a way as to motivate a hiring manager into picking up the phone? If you're not sure, that's OK. Most people aren't used to thinking about their jobs in a promotional sense. But a good resume writer? Well, that's what they do.

Former recruiter David Alan Carter recommends the following resume services for Probation Officers... each with a Better Business Bureau score of "A" or better.

Recommended Resume Services for a Probation Officer Resume

Considering a Career Move into Correctional Treatment?

If you're considering a move into correctional treatment or counseling from either a closely related field or from a totally unrelated profession, you'll be looking for a transitional resume -- and a talented resume writer to handle the assignment. Transitional resumes are some of the most difficult resume projects as they require a writer knowledgeable in at least two professions -- and the ability to identify transferable skills from one to the other.

Before you hand off that resume assignment, make sure you know enough about the job of a Probation Officer to... a) really want it, and b) be able to step up to the plate. Here's a quick overview (more information at Wikipedia - Probation Officer):

What You'll Do: As a probation officer, you help convicted criminals avoid legal troubles and assimilate back into society as productive members. You ensure that offenders follow specific probationary rules, design individualized rehabilitation programs, and offer advice and counseling services. You will probably be employed by the local or state government and spend much of your time completing paperwork in an office, visiting offenders at their homes, or traveling to speak with the offender's family and friends.

Due to the nature of the job, it can be very dangerous and stressful. Criminals can act out with violence at the most unexpected times, so you are always on alert. You may also travel to crime-heavy neighborhoods from time to time, so carrying a firearm or other weapon may be necessary.

Full-time work and irregular hours are typical of this profession

Education and Training: To qualify for a probation officer position, you generally need to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or another job-related field. Some applicants possess master's level degrees in the areas of study above. Obtaining a post-graduate degree is recommended for those who do not have job-related work experience.

Speaking of experience, you should have several years under your belt before applying to have a good chance at getting hired. The following qualify as work-related experiences: counseling or advising, aiding with criminal investigations, social work positions, working in a court, and spending time in corrections.

In addition to the degree, you must pass a series of qualifying exams including physical tests, psychological tests, oral tests, and written tests. Your character, morals, and critical thinking skills will be judged using these exams, and the employer will determine if you are fit for the job. Job-specific formal training might also be required by your state, and completion of the program and a final exam will earn you certification.

You may be offered a temporary position after being certified. After a six month to one year probationary period, the position can become permanent.

The Future: The Correctional Counseling profession is expected to grow at about 18% through 2020.

The Pay: Annual salaries for Probation Officer in the U.S. range from $30,900 to $80,700, with the average median annual wage hitting $48,100 in 2012 as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.



Still interested in pursuing a position in Correctional Treatment or Counseling? Got the qualifications? Great. The next step is to prepare for a consultative telephone interview with your resume writer. Treat the coming job search like the business it is, and you'll do fine.

Best of luck,
David Alan Carter, OccupationalResumes.com

P.S. More information at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists and ONetOnline.org - Summary Report for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists 

 

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