How to Be a Juvenile Probation Officer

Juvenile probation officers oversee convicted juvenile criminals who receive probation as part of their sentencing. The officers meet with the convicted juvenile criminals frequently to assess their behavior and monitor their activities. The ultimate goal of a juvenile probation officer is to help rehabilitate convicts and successfully integrate them back in to society.

Instructions

1. Attend a 4-year university and obtain your degree. Juvenile probation officers need a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as criminal justice, psychology, sociology or social work. Some juvenile probation officers also hold post-graduate degrees in these fields.

2. Maintain a clean criminal record and demonstrate emotional and psychological stability. Juvenile probation officers must pass criminal background checks, and emotional and psychological evaluations.

3. Get in the best physical shape possible. Maintain a healthy weight and do regular physical activity. Many governmental organizations require juvenile probation officers to pass physical fitness tests and maintain optimal fitness levels.

4. Seek experience in related fields. If you do not hold a Master's degree in a related field, the governmental organization might require previous work experience. Get related work experience in social work, counseling or a related field helping others.

5. Complete the training experience and certification exams required by your state. Many juvenile probation officer candidates work as trainees for a period of 6 months and take a required certification examination upon completion. Specific training requirements vary from state to state.