A parole agent’s job is to keep track of felons and other offenders who have been released from prison. They must meet with the offender on predetermined dates and times to monitor their progress in reintegrating into society. Each offender may have a different set of requirements to meet in order to stay out of jail, and it is the responsibility of a parole agent to ensure that these requirements are met. Offenders are usually required to keep a job and live a life free of illegal drugs and other criminal activity. Although some parole officers work within the prison system, the majority of their work is done in the field.
A parole agent is frequently expected to not only monitor a parolee’s progress, but also to assist in the process. They frequently assist parolees in finding employment, which is important because many people who have recently been released from prison may have difficulty finding work. In some cases, parole officers can also help with housing arrangements. Many inmates who are released from prison are required to live in special housing facilities known as “halfway houses.” These group homes usually collaborate with a parole officer to ensure that parolees are adhering to the terms of their release.
Parolees may be required to attend counseling or therapy sessions for a set period of time as part of their conditions of release. This may be necessary to address a specific behavioral or emotional issue, or to facilitate integration into the community. One of the parole officers’ responsibilities is to arrange for counseling and to ensure that the parolee attends all of the required sessions.
Within the prison system, parole officers have very different responsibilities than those who work in the field. For the most part, their job entails assisting in the evaluation of prisoners in order to determine which ones might be suitable for early release. They usually collaborate closely with the local government’s parole board.
The pay scale for a parole officer varies depending on experience and location. Because most of the workers are employed by the government, their jobs often come with a slew of benefits, including pension plans and health insurance. The average annual salary for parole officers in the United States is around $40,000 US dollars (USD).