How To Become A Juvenile Probation Counselor
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Make a Difference in a Troubled Child's Life, Train as a Juvenile Probation Counselor
Finding the balance between nurturing and discipline is tough, but that's exactly what a juvenile probation counselor must do. They act on behalf of any juvenile offenders to ensure that they are properly monitored in a way that is in both the best interest of the state and the child. They also provide counsel for both the families and the courts in terms of being a support system and making recommendations on further actions. A juvenile probation counselor or youth corrections counselor is an important role in the proper discipline and incarceration of minors, and as such it is seeing a rapid increase in new jobs compared to other careers in criminal justice, with an estimated salary range of $44,000-$86,000 a year according to indeed.com. The amount of training and experience you have play a large role in the salary bracket and potential jobs open to you, so be sure to identify your career objectives to be able to obtain the necessary requirements.
Educational Requirements
There are different levels of education that you can achieve to be eligible to work in this field; the minimum being a bachelors degree in a subject like psychology, criminal justice, counseling, social work or something else relevant. The criminal justice degree is optional but strongly recommended. These degrees can be obtained online if you search for schools like the University of Phoenix Online or South University, but to be granted more opportunities, it is best to hold a masters degree. This will open up many more jobs with more advanced responsibilities and skill requirements, but will also translate in a higher salary. It is also preferential to have at least a year of work experience in the field, so if not professional, then you should at least volunteer at a youth group home or probation department.
What to Expect on the Job
Mostly a juvenile probation counselor will interview everyone involved with the child in question to assess the situation and make recommendations about where he or she should be placed. They will talk to the family, the child himself, the school, the police and social workers to aid in the rehabilitation, protection and discipline of the minor. They will then present their evaluations and suggestions to the court, supervise meetings concerning the child, prepare documentation about the assessment and testify in court. Those with masters degrees can also take on further responsibilities by way of counseling drug and alcohol abusers, anger management and mental health counseling. This may be done by developing and implementing programs for the minors or even as support groups for family members. The bottom line is that a juvenile probation counselor will do everything possible to ensure the minor is properly supervised and punished but to also help the minor get himself out of trouble and find help.
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