Probation and parole officers (PPOs) in Bennington act as a vital link for offenders between the local community and the criminal justice system. PPOs provide supervision and direction for parolees who are released early from prison, and to offenders who are sentenced to terms of probation in lieu of or in addition to prison time. PPOs help offenders become reintegrated into society as law-abiding citizens, and are authorized to place probationers and parolees under arrest for violations of their terms of probation or parole when necessary.
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Education and Experience for a Career in Probation and Parole
Most candidates for probation and parole officer jobs in Bennington begin by working as corrections officers. This position requires a high school diploma or GED and two years of full-time college attendance, military service, or work experience.
Candidates possessing previous education and experience in the probation and parole field may be eligible to apply for Bennington probation officer jobs directly. Vermont prefers all PPO applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree that includes major coursework and experience in the human services or a related field, such as psychology, social work, and criminal justice. Candidates may substitute for these prerequisites by having either:
- A high school diploma or GED and at least four full-time years of experience working with clients in a human services position
- At least four years of law enforcement experience
Up to two years of college credits may be substituted for up to two years of experience.
Training Requirements and Application Process
Those hired directly into a career as a PPO will receive training in the areas of:
- Offender intake and psychological evaluation
- Preparation of documents and court presentation
- Community resources including:
- Housing and food assistance
- Mental health programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Vocational education
- Arrest and use of force procedures
Candidates being hired through the corrections officer career path will receive eight weeks of training that includes:
- One initial week of orientation and observation at a corrections facility
- Five weeks at a Corrections Officer Training Academy
- 80 supervised hours of on-the-job training in a corrections facility
Application Process
Candidates interested in learning how to become probation and parole officers in Bennington should monitor the State’s jobs listings online for any correctional or probation and parole officer vacancies in Bennington. The first step in applying for either position is to create an online resume and account with the human resources department’s e-recruit service. Applications must be filled out completely, the veracity of which will be verified during the application process.
Working as a Bennington Probation and Parole Officer
Bennington PPOs are based out of the Bennington Probation and Parole Office located on Veteran’s Memorial Drive next to the State Chamber of Commerce and Family Services buildings. Nationwide probation and correctional treatment specialists make an average of $47,200 each year in a field that is projected to grow by 18 percent over the course of the decade ending in 2020.