Are you interested in a career that involves helping people and solving problems? If so, becoming a correctional services worker may be the right fit for you. This profession typically requires two years of post-secondary education and offers an average salary of $43.68 per hour. While certifications are not regulated, they can be beneficial to your career.

Correctional Services Worker Overview

Correctional services workers provide case planning, supervision, security, and support services for individuals staying in correctional centres. They also run various programs that aim to reduce clients' interactions with the criminal justice system. Some of the duties of a correctional services worker include completing and updating case records, responding to questions and concerns, monitoring and responding to situations in the centre, and promoting recreational activities for clients. Additionally, they collaborate with various supports in an individual's life, such as centre staff, family, and justice or community partners, to develop release plans and make referrals to community programs for support.

Skills and Traits Required

Working conditions for correctional services workers vary depending on the role. Some may need to work shifts in a 24-hour period, including weekends and holidays, while others may have regular business hours. Traits and skills that are important for this profession include maturity, good judgment, independence, time-management skills, interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, the ability to prioritize work demands, the ability to work in a team, the ability to cope with stressful and unexpected situations, and cultural and diversity awareness.

Exploring Career Opportunities

Correctional services workers enjoy supervising others, helping people, assessing levels of offender risk, and working with clearly defined rules and organized methods. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, you may want to consider the following NOC classifications: 2006 NOC - Classification Officers, Correctional Institutions (4155.2), 2006 NOC-S - Probation and Parole Officers and Related Occupations (E025), 2011 NOC - Probation and parole officers and related occupations (4155), and 2016 NOC - Probation and parole officers and related occupations (4155).

In conclusion, a career as a correctional services worker can be rewarding for those who enjoy helping others and working in a structured environment. With the demand for these professionals at approximately 1,600 per province per year, there may be ample opportunities for individuals interested in this field.

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