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Skills, Knowledge and Qualities in Probation Practice

NCJ Number
121588
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 26 Dated: (1989) Pages: 36-39
Author(s)
G Boswell
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Four discrete but complementary British research studies were conducted from October 1987 through September 1988 to identify those skills which probation officers need to perform their job.
Abstract
The first study consisted of a national postal survey of 398 probation officers who had completed their training in 1985 and 1986. The second involved indepth interviews with a sample of 46 newly-qualified probation officers selected from five probation areas. The third used another national postal survey of a sample of 785 experienced probation officers selected at random from the Probation Directory. The fourth consisted of indepth interviews with a sample of 62 experienced probation officers from four probation areas. The principal conclusion of the survey of recently qualified officers was that the courses required for the Certificate of Qualification of Social Work need to reorient their training toward preparation for the realities of probation practice. Experienced officers identified five core skills and qualities for probation officers: Interpersonal skills (for work with both clients and colleagues), literacy, persuasiveness, resilience, and a sensitivity to human behavior and its social context. Case work remains the dominant method of working with clients. A third of the new officers reported they did not receive adequate supervision during their first year of employment. 1 references.

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