Job Analysis Paper

Job Analysis Paper

Today’s job market has been greatly impacted by the unstable state of the economy. Therefore, business owners are looking for ways to save money as well as operate at optimum efficiency to survive the current state of the economy. This money dynamic creates a greater need for quality employees, which will be an asset to the organization. Business owners often turn to I/O psychologist to develop a description of details of a particular job as well as characteristics required of people to perform the job (Spector, 2008).

This paper will present a job analysis for parole/probation officers using the functional job evaluation method will be used to discuss how this job analysis will be used within the organization. An evaluation of the reliability, and validity of the analysis, and the different appraisal methods that could be applied to the job will be included as well as an explanation of various benefits, and vulnerabilities of each performance appraisal method (Spector, 2008).

Parole/Probation Officer Functional Job Analysis

Functional job analysis uses interviews, subject matter experts, and observation to provide a description of a job and scores on several dimensions pertaining to the job and potential employees (Spector, 2008). Selecting parole and probation is a vital part of the rehabilitation process for criminals. The individuals selected for these types of jobs play a huge role in keeping communities safe from repeat offenders. Although educational requirements for parole/probation officers vary from state to state, most require an accredited bachelor’s degree in, psychology, social work, criminal justice, sociology, or other related fields. Parole/probation officers may be required to pass specific psychological test before being hired permanently (“Education requirements for probation and parole officers,” 2003).

Parole/probation officers are representative of the Department of Corrections, and serve to supervise offenders who have been either convicted of a crime, or have been released into the community from imposed incarceration. Parole/probation officer perform both pre-sentence reports, and pre-release investigations to determine the next course of action to take for a particular offender. Pre-sentence reports consist of interviewing the offender, family members, clergy, victims, educators, and associates to determine recommendations for sentencing, and treatment plans. Pre-release reports consist of interviewing the offender, reviewing conduct reports during incarceration, determining if the offender is suitable for release, and determining if the offender has a suitable address to reside upon release. Probation/parole officers also maintain working relationships with local authorities, and the judicial system, and testify in court regarding offender’s progress in transitioning back into society as