The introductory section presents a model that encompasses the purpose of probation and the tasks of the probation officer. The work roles of the probation officer are explained as those of detection, broker, advocate, evaluator, mobilizer, enabler, information manager, mediator, educator, community planner, and enforcer. The section on the resistant client first describes such a client and then portrays the essential elements of the officer's role in relationships: concern for the other, commitment and obligation, acceptance and expectation, empathy, authority and power, and genuineness and congruence. The most important learning for the officer in dealing with the resistant client is indicated to be the acceptance of the person as resistant. Strategies for dealing with such a client are then suggested. The section on communication skills considers the structure of communication (process and barriers to communication), behaviors and attitudes contributing to defensive and supportive communication climates, natural responses to people, and learned responses. The physical setting and the length of the interview are the initial topics in the discussion of interviewing skills. Then the five component parts of interviewing -- purpose, structure, balance, feedback, and outcome -- are described. Following consideration of openended questions and a life history grid, interviewing skills are explained under the topics of exploratory responses, listening responses, affective responses, and honest labeling responses. The basic steps in problemsolving and various problemsolving techniques are presented in the concluding section. Footnotes are included.