Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Prepare and maintain case folder for each assigned inmate or offender.87
Gather information about offenders' backgrounds by talking to offenders, their families and friends, and other people who have relevant information.85
Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans.85
Discuss with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in their criminal behavior.85
Supervise people on community-based sentences, such as electronically monitored home detention, and provide field supervision of probationers by conducting curfew checks or visits to home, work, or school.85
Investigate alleged parole violations, using interviews, surveillance, and search and seizure.84
Recommend remedial action or initiate court action in response to noncompliance with terms of probation or parole.84
Arrange for medical, mental health, or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs or court orders.84
Develop liaisons and networks with other parole officers, community agencies, correctional institutions, psychiatric facilities, and aftercare agencies to plan for helping offenders with life adjustments.84
Administer drug and alcohol tests, including random drug screens of offenders, to verify compliance with substance abuse treatment programs.83
Inform offenders or inmates of requirements of conditional release, such as office visits, restitution payments, or educational and employment stipulations.83
Participate in decisions about whether cases should go before courts and which court should hear them.81

Show all 21 →

Write reports describing offenders' progress.80
Conduct prehearing and presentencing investigations and testify in court regarding offenders' backgrounds and recommended sentences and sentencing conditions.80
Develop rehabilitation programs for assigned offenders or inmates, establishing rules of conduct, goals, and objectives.80
Arrange for postrelease services, such as employment, housing, counseling, education, and social activities.78
Recommend appropriate penitentiary for initial placement of an offender.76
Assess the suitability of penitentiary inmates for release under parole and statutory release programs and submit recommendations to parole boards.67
Provide offenders or inmates with assistance in matters concerning detainers, sentences in other jurisdictions, writs, and applications for social assistance.64
Identify and approve work placements for offenders with community service sentences.64
Develop and prepare packets containing information about social service agencies, assistance organizations, and programs that might be useful for inmates or offenders.60

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension72
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing69
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Time Management60
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Show all 35 →

Negotiation53
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion53
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies31
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Monitoring31
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting16
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Law and Government85
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security84
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language78
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Psychology78
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling74
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Sociology and Anthropology65
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Administrative61
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Customer and Personal Service55
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics53
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training53
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management46
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Communications and Media35
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Show all 33 →

Transportation31
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Philosophy and Theology30
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Personnel and Human Resources29
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mathematics28
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Telecommunications26
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Geography23
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language21
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Medicine and Dentistry13
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Economics and Accounting12
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Chemistry9
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
History and Archeology9
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Production and Processing8
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology6
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Biology5
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sales and Marketing5
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Design4
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical4
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Building and Construction3
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics2
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Show all 52 →

Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception28
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Explosive Strength28
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Multilimb Coordination28
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed28
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Reaction Time28
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation28
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity25
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Glare Sensitivity16
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Visual Color Discrimination16
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Extent Flexibility13
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Night Vision13
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision13
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information94
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates86
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information86
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards84
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems83
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work83
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events81
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers80
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships77
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization74
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge74
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People73
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Show all 41 →

Scheduling Work and Activities73
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings71
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information70
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others70
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Assisting and Caring for Others66
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public66
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others65
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coaching and Developing Others62
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing Objectives and Strategies62
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing Administrative Activities60
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others60
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Analyzing Data or Information59
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Training and Teaching Others58
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Thinking Creatively56
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing and Building Teams55
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others54
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials53
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates49
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Selling or Influencing Others48
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment45
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources42
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities41
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information39
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Staffing Organizational Units38
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Handling and Moving Objects25
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment25
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes22
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment17
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment17
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Self-Control85
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance82
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Social Orientation73
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Attention to Detail71
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Empathy70
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Adaptability67
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance66
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Sincerity65
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Cautiousness64
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Initiative61
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Show all 21 →

Cooperation58
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Leadership Orientation54
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Confidence54
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation48
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Optimism44
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Tolerance for Ambiguity42
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Humility40
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity30
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation17
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Social76
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Conventional53
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising49
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Investigative41
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic23
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic19
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others96%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day86%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
E-Mail
- Every day81%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day77%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important72%
- Very important21%
Conflict Situations
- Every day63%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day71%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Time Pressure
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important53%
- Very important33%
- Important12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important52%
- Very important25%
- Important19%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results57%
- Important results25%

Show all 57 →

Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom41%
- Limited freedom16%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom33%
- Some freedom43%
- Limited freedom14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day66%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important43%
- Very important35%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day26%
- Once a week or more but not every day49%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility31%
- High responsibility37%
- Moderate responsibility23%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time67%
- About half the time22%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)13%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)55%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)15%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)17%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious46%
- Very serious15%
- Fairly serious26%
- Not serious at all12%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important33%
- Very important20%
- Important23%
- Not important at all14%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never15%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never17%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours17%
- 40 hours69%
- Less than 40 hours14%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never25%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Never32%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually29%
- More than half the time15%
- Less than half the time14%
- Never35%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never17%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility24%
- High responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility31%
- No responsibility23%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated23%
- Moderately automated39%
- Slightly automated20%
- Not at all automated19%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive18%
- Slightly competitive20%
- Not at all competitive26%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never15%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time37%
- Never20%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time59%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time27%
- Less than half the time63%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never49%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Never45%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never47%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never48%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never59%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never54%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time59%
- Never35%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never71%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time22%
- Never71%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time50%
- Never50%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)26%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)74%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never72%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all88%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never92%
Exposed to High Places
- Never90%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never94%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never91%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Data base user interface and query software
Court records databases, Microsoft Access
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, LinkedIn
Project management software
Case management software, Tyler Technologies Odyssey Case Manager
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Voice recognition software
Speech recognition software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Electronic tracking device software
Calendar and scheduling software
Appointment scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Maintain client information or service records.
Collect information about clients.
Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
Monitor health or behavior of people or animals.
Visit individuals in their homes to provide support or information.
Recommend legal actions.
Arrange physical or mental health services for clients.
Investigate legal issues.
Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities.
Administer drug screening tests.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.

Show all 18 →

Write reports or evaluations.
Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs.
Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility.
Help clients get needed services or resources.
Refer individuals to educational or work programs.
Provide educational materials to community members.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology