Kenai-based probation and parole officers work each day to maintain order and stability in the city, arresting probation offenders when necessary, but more often providing them with rehabilitative resources that help them become reintegrated into local society.
The most recently posted starting salary for probation and parole officers in Kenai was $38,639 per year.
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Education and Other Requirements for a Career in Kenai Probation and Parole
Alaska requires all its probation and parole officers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field, including criminal justice, psychology, and social work. Two exceptions may be made for this education requirement. Candidates interested in becoming probation and parole officers in Kenai, Alaska may also be eligible for jobs under one of the following conditions:
- Four years of experience working in a field such as:
- Law enforcement or public safety
- Probation or parole
- Corrections, criminal justice, criminal investigations, or juvenile justice
- Social services
- Experience working in one of the above-mentioned fields, combined with higher education, together totaling four years (four quarter or three semester credit-hours are equal to one month of experience)
Careers in probations require candidates to be of good moral character and meet a few other requirements. These include:
- Being a United States citizen or resident alien with a demonstrated intent to become a citizen
- At least 21 years old
- No felony or domestic violence convictions
- No use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of a controlled substance, aside from marijuana, in the past 10 years, with an exception made for those before the age of 21
- No use of marijuana within a year preceding employment, with an exception made for those who have used marijuana before the age of 21
Probation and Parole Officer Training
The Basic Probation Officer Academy training emphasizes hands-on, practical training for its officers. Experience will be gained to prepare recruits to begin an effective career as a Kenai probation officer. The academy culminates with a role playing scenario and officers will also experience what it is like to be sprayed with pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum. Areas covered include:
- Officer survival
- Intake assessments and psychological evaluations
- First aid and CPR
- Detention, restraint, and arrest techniques
- Courtroom procedures and etiquette
- Community resource referral
Officers will need to re-qualify in firearms every six months, and after their first year will need to complete 40 hours of continuing training annually.
Applying for Probation and Parole Officer Jobs in Kenai
Those interested in applying for probation jobs in Kenai can begin by monitoring Alaska’s employment website where vacancies are posted. Candidates may only apply when there is an advertised opening, and are encouraged to do so online; a process that begins by creating an account with the state hiring agency.