http://www.prisonguardtoday.com Do you want to become a corrections officer? Here's a discussion about it. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:35:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/starting-a-career-as-a-dental-assistant/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/starting-a-career-as-a-dental-assistant/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:38:28 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/starting-a-career-as-a-dental-assistant/ A career as a Dental Assistant will open many doors of opportunity. Dental Assistants will be among the highest growing occupations from now until 2012. This is because people are starting to take a better interest in their oral health. Technological advances have led many individuals to the dentist office for cosmetic dental procedures rather than just cleanings and major dental work. Also, people are living longer, so their teeth need more care to stay healthy throughout their life.

The most common place of employment to find Dental Assistants is in the dental office. Here they provide a variety of services. They often help to comfort scared patients prior to procedures as well as give them follow up care at the end of the appointment. Dental Assistants clean the tools used as well as make sure each work unit has the necessary tools and equipment ready for the next patient’s procedures.

Dental Assistants in the dental office work very closely with Dentists and Hygienists. They often sit in on all procedures, handing staff the necessary tools. Dentist offices are generally small so Dental Assistants often help with lab work. This includes making molds of teeth for caps, bridges, and other dental work. They may also be required to assist with the taking of X-rays.

A common place for Dental Assistants to be employed is in prisons. With more and more prisons being built all over the Nation, Dental Assistants are in great demand for Federal, State, and privately owned prisons. Working as a dental assistant in a prison setting requires more caution that in a regular dental office.

All Nursing Assistants need to be aware of the risk of communicable diseases that are transmitted via saliva and blood. However, the rate of these diseases, especially HIV, is much higher with a prison population than the general public. Also, some inmates might try to attack by biting.

Nursing Assistants in a prison setting need to be alert, and never let down their guard. Inmates often look for any opportunity to escape or obtain weapons. They can use a dental tool as a weapon against you, other staff, or other inmates. It is very important that you keep very close track of all dental tools in a prison setting. Never leave a tool in the reach of an inmate for even a moment. If you discover a tool is missing, immediately notify your supervisor and follow the procedures outlined in the prison policy.

For those Dental Assistants wanting to help the lower income populations, securing employment in a Child Development Center, Head Start, or Migrant program is an excellent way of giving back to the community. Often, these populations can’t afford dental care and would go without it if the services weren’t offered as part of a government program. Employment in these types of agencies as a Dental Assistant often pays less than other employment opportunities in the field. However, many Dental Assistants make the choice to help those in need rather than earn more money.

There are many opportunities to work as a Dental Assistant for agencies who serve the disabled. Often, Dental Assistants are afraid to work with such a population. However, once you feel comfortable with disabled people and their disabilities, you will be able to provide proper care to those who are in need, regardless of their mental capacity or physical appearance.

A career as a Dental Assistant offers you many areas of employment including dental offices, prisons, low income programs, and for facilities who serve the disabled. The ability to choose the type of environment you want to use your Dental Assistant skills in makes the field even more inviting. If you are not sure if a particular type of agency is a good fit for you, talk to them. Ask if you can shadow another Dental Assistant who works there for a few days. This should give you plenty of exposure to the activities that take place in that agency.





By: Albert Alexander ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/starting-a-career-as-a-dental-assistant/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/so-you-want-to-be-a-dental-assistant/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/so-you-want-to-be-a-dental-assistant/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:01:49 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/so-you-want-to-be-a-dental-assistant/ A career as a Dental Assistant will open many doors of opportunity. Dental Assistants will be among the highest growing occupations from now until 2012. This is because people are starting to take a better interest in their oral health. Technological advances have led many individuals to the dentist office for cosmetic dental procedures rather than just cleanings and major dental work. Also, people are living longer, so their teeth need more care to stay healthy throughout their life.

The most common place of employment to find Dental Assistants is in the dental office. Here they provide a variety of services. They often help to comfort scared patients prior to procedures as well as give them follow up care at the end of the appointment. Dental Assistants clean the tools used as well as make sure each work unit has the necessary tools and equipment ready for the next patients procedures.

Dental Assistants in the dental office work very closely with Dentists and Hygienists. They often sit in on all procedures, handing staff the necessary tools. Dentist offices are generally small so Dental Assistants often help with lab work. This includes making molds of teeth for caps, bridges, and other dental work. They may also be required to assist with the taking of X-rays.

A common place for Dental Assistants to be employed is in prisons. With more and more prisons being built all over the Nation, Dental Assistants are in great demand for Federal, State, and privately owned prisons. Working as a dental assistant in a prison setting requires more caution that in a regular dental office.

All Nursing Assistants need to be aware of the risk of communicable diseases that are transmitted via saliva and blood. However, the rate of these diseases, especially HIV, is much higher with a prison population than the general public. Also, some inmates might try to attack by biting.

Nursing Assistants in a prison setting need to be alert, and never let down their guard. Inmates often look for any opportunity to escape or obtain weapons. They can use a dental tool as a weapon against you, other staff, or other inmates. It is very important that you keep very close track of all dental tools in a prison setting. Never leave a tool in the reach of an inmate for even a moment. If you discover a tool is missing, immediately notify your supervisor and follow the procedures outlined in the prison policy.

For those Dental Assistants wanting to help the lower income populations, securing employment in a Child Development Center, Head Start, or Migrant program is an excellent way of giving back to the community. Often, these populations can’t afford dental care and would go without it if the services were not offered as part of a government program. Employment in these types of agencies as a Dental Assistant often pays less than other employment opportunities in the field. However, many Dental Assistants make the choice to help those in need rather than earn more money.

There are many opportunities to work as a Dental Assistant for agencies who serve the disabled. Often, Dental Assistants are afraid to work with such a population. However, once you feel comfortable with disabled people and their disabilities, you will be able to provide proper care to those who are in need, regardless of their mental capacity or physical appearance.

A career as a Dental Assistant offers you many areas of employment including dental offices, prisons, low income programs, and for facilities who serve the disabled. The ability to choose the type of environment you want to use your Dental Assistant skills in makes the field even more inviting. If you are not sure if a particular type of agency is a good fit for you, talk to them. Ask if you can shadow another Dental Assistant who works there for a few days. This should give you plenty of exposure to the activities that take place in that agency.





By: Daniel Millions ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/so-you-want-to-be-a-dental-assistant/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/correctional-officer-and-how-to-get-correctional-officer-jobs/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/correctional-officer-and-how-to-get-correctional-officer-jobs/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:32:06 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/correctional-officer-and-how-to-get-correctional-officer-jobs/ Correctional officers have one of the toughest jobs in the world. It’s hazardous and very stressful. Every year there are attacks on correctional officers and maintaining those convicted of violent crimes is not an easy task.

A correctional officer is not like a probation officer. A PO will work with a person who has been released from prison and needs help integrating back into society. A correctional officer is responsible for prisoner transport, keeping order in a jail or prison and for maintaining procedures set forth by the correctional facility.

What skills are needed to become a corrections officer?

Corrections officers learn most of what they need to know through on-the-job-training. An education of at least a high school diploma is required, some college may be a qualification, and it varies with each agency. Some experience is recommended, such as law enforcement or having a military background may be substituted for an education.

The American Correctional Association and the American Jail Association establish what type of training is needed based on the correctional facility. Academy trainees will undergo many hours, at least 200, of training for firearms and self-defense just within their first year of work. Specialized training in tactical procedures, riot and hostage situations are also part of their ongoing training. At least120 hours is required by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons residential training center in Glynco, GA. They will work under supervision of an experienced correctional officer for weeks or months before becoming independent.

What are some of the tasks a corrections officer does?

A CO is responsible for keeping order in a controlled manner. Prisons are full of those who dislike order and it’s up to the correctional officer to maintain an environment where inmates are kept safe and disturbances are kept to a minimum.

Those who work in maximum security prisons are trained to search cells for contraband or illegal drugs. They may confine prisoners to solitary and monitor them on closed circuit television.

A correction officer who works in a minimum security facility will monitor prisoners who are on a work rehabilitation program. It depends on the type of environment as to which tasks are performed. Correctional officers typically work 5 days a week with 8 hour shifts. Since monitoring prison activity is a 24 hour process, some officers work weekends and even holidays.

Is there a demand for this profession?

Yes, corrections officers process and oversee about 12 million people a year. The demand is growing as prisoners are released; paroled and new inmates are being transferred between facilities. There is a lot of hostility in prisons due to over crowding and violent inmates are often gang members. The demand for those who want to help keep our society safe from such persons creates a position in which non lethal force and tactical training becomes a must.

Correctional officers tend to make between $28,000 and $46,000. Those who seek advancement can become a correctional sergeant or even become a warden. It’s a tough job, and somebody has to do it. If this sounds like a career path you’d like to take, then you need to do further reading on it on the internet. You can do so by visiting websites which cover the profession in more detail.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are live links.





By: Kenneth Echie ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/correctional-officer-and-how-to-get-correctional-officer-jobs/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/useful-tips-on-how-to-prepare-for-the-police-interview/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/useful-tips-on-how-to-prepare-for-the-police-interview/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:17:27 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/useful-tips-on-how-to-prepare-for-the-police-interview/ You may have dreamt now and again of joining the police force in your home country. Information has also reached you claiming that getting into the force is not as easy as pie. This leaves you with the question that how will you impress the interviewers if you are called to a police interview? To be a police officer calls for both dedication and discipline. This means that you need to practices this discipline before you can even attend that interview. The same discipline must be clearly reflected in the police application forms so that you can have chances of attending the interview.

After submission of the application forms and you have been asked to attend the interview, you will need some tips and bits concerning the interview process. For a start, you will need to know what type of criteria the board will use to differentiate those who suit the job and those that don’t. If you are aware if this criteria then you can be able to work on it well so that you can proceed through the levels.

Just like in the case of many other forces like the Royal Air Force, the police force requires some competencies which the recruitment board looks at in an individual. This means that you will need to be on your toes and during the recruitment process; you have to show your confidence and ability. Such competencies include the ability to handle volatile situations without complicating the situation. This means that you have some questions tailored specifically from the competencies since you can not afford to guess when answering them.

Again a police interview can be a tricky affair if you are totally clueless on the formation and structures of the force. Some questions might be in regard to ranks or someone might try catching you off guard with a question like why you want to be a law enforcer. Always be alert and sharp, and you should be able to come up with quick clear and intelligent responses.

Communication will always be tested as it is important. You may need good communication skills in the process to boost your chances of success. You should be confident always and this can be elaborated by asking clarification on matters that you may not be clear with. You should not be easily intimidated since the job will include meeting and dealing with people of different characters. As a prospective police officer, you must dress in smart outfits and have confidence to match with it.





By: Richard Mcmunn ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/10/useful-tips-on-how-to-prepare-for-the-police-interview/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/09/the-4-important-things-you-must-know-or-do-before-becoming-a-detention-officer/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/09/the-4-important-things-you-must-know-or-do-before-becoming-a-detention-officer/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:21:26 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/09/the-4-important-things-you-must-know-or-do-before-becoming-a-detention-officer/ There are a number of different things that you must know or do before becoming a detention officer. The basic responsibility of this position includes guarding individuals who are considered a suspect in a crime, and are waiting for their trial to occur, or watching over those that have received a conviction and have been sentenced to pay for their crime.

The conviction may be served in a jail, a prison that is considered to be reformatory, or even in what is called a penitentiary. In this article, you will be introduced to the 4 important things you must know or do before becoming a detention officer.

1. Roles and Responsibilities:

As a Detention Officer, you will have many roles and responsibilities. Your main responsibility is to maintain a high level of security in the facility that you serve. You must ensure that all of the inmates that you are responsible for are accounted for at all times.

It is also your responsibility to make certain that potential disturbances are prevented, and if they break out anyway, you must be able to take complete control over the situation and put a stop to them. All forms of battery and assault within the facility that you serve must be prevented, and dealt with appropriately. In addition to this, you must work to ensure that inmates do not escape.

2. Training:

Training is an essential component of becoming a Detention Officer. While many facilities will offer training that is on the job, there are many prisons and jails that will require that you attend a Corrections Academy or Criminal Justice school.

While these academies vary in standards and educational requirements by state, they almost always strive for successful candidates to have a certain level of physical health and endurance, a general knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, firearms training for proficiency and self defense training.

3. Growth and Outlook:

The job growth and outlook for Detention Officers is excellent. Due to the fact that several thousand crimes are committed in any middle to high populated county in the United States daily, there is an increased need for officers to supervise the criminals that perform these crimes. In all cases, these positions are government jobs and are in high demand among government agencies that house criminals. This means that the compensation that you will receive for this type of position will be average to high.

4. Personal Safety:

Personal safety is an important consideration when it comes to jobs as a Detention Officer. While it is true that most inmates are held in cells, there are times when they are released from those cells. This includes the times when they have meals, outdoor free time, and even times that may be allowed for intermingling with other inmates in classes, support groups, and/or social activities. It is possible that your personal safety will be endangered. However, the education and training often provides you with the ability to effectively protect yourself.

Conclusion:

Becoming a Detention Officer is an exciting career in the Criminal Justice System. It gives you a level of authority and the ability to effectively rehabilitate individuals who have been found guilty of certain crimes. The growth, outlook, and benefits of this position are exceptional. However, you should also consider your roles and responsibilities, training, and personal safety when considering a career as a Detention Officer.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are clickable.





By: Kenneth Echie ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/09/the-4-important-things-you-must-know-or-do-before-becoming-a-detention-officer/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/the-juvenile-corrections-officer/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/the-juvenile-corrections-officer/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:33:37 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/the-juvenile-corrections-officer/ A juvenile corrections officer has a rewarding career that can make a difference in the lives of many. If you are good with youth, want to make a difference and have good moral sense, then you might find that a Juvenile correction officer is just what you want to do.

This career covers more than just a prison guard position at the local jail. Juvenile corrections include careers as work service crew leaders, therapists, in group homes and residential housing, caseworkers, correctional officers and much more. Most careers however are found through halfway houses, group homes, detention centers, work camps, treatment centers, electronic monitoring companies and probations officer positions.

In looking at a career in juvenile corrections, it is important to have effective interpersonal communication skills. A fluency in spoken and written English and be able to relate to various cultural, social and economic backgrounds. It is wise to know about the criminal justice system and the rules and regulations of the institution you are interested in working with.

To work at a corrections facility, your responsibilities will include maintaining the security and custody of inmates and to respond to emergency situations calmly but with authority. You will be required to report facts in situations you observe during your shift. You must be able to communicate effectively and in a non judgmental way. The teens that you are working with will come from all types of backgrounds and all situations.

Most positions in this field require that the person be in good physical shape and that they have the ability to stand and sit for long periods of time, react to emergencies and physical confrontations safely and effectively. There will be a need to be able to bend, reach, kneel and climb up and down stairs and ladders quickly. You will usually be required to be able to drag up to 175 pounds for at least 60 yards and to lift 50 pounds.

Most positions will have a minimum fitness standard that are expected and tested. You will also need to be able to qualify for and safely use the institution’s approved and issued fire arms and defensive tactics. Uniforms and protective equipment will be issued and you will be expected to maintain all equipment.

There may be times that you will be responsible for transportation of youth to and from the facility and you may need to work in confined spaces for long periods of time. Youth corrections workers need to have a great deal of patience, understanding and effective coping skills.

There are many programs that offer education in Criminal Justice and Corrections. A diploma or degree along with physical fitness requirements, weapon eligibility, CPR and first aid certification will help you be ready for your career as a juvenile corrections officer. Psychology, crisis intervention and defensive training will all benefit you in this field.

Educational requirements depend on the level of entry you are looking for. A two year degree program is often required for entry level positions.

A Juvenile Corrections Officer can make a difference in the lives of the youth they are guarding and their communities. It is a career suited to those who want to make a difference.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are clickable.





By: Kenneth Echie ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/the-juvenile-corrections-officer/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/getting-a-job-as-a-train-driver-in-an-easy-way/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/getting-a-job-as-a-train-driver-in-an-easy-way/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:34:29 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/getting-a-job-as-a-train-driver-in-an-easy-way/ There are number of professions required for Railways for example A railroad engineer, railway engineer, locomotive engineer, train operator, train driver or engine driver is a person who operates a railroad locomotive and train. The engineer is the person in charge of and responsible for the locomotive(s). He or she is also in charge of the mechanical operation of the train, the speed of the train and all train handling. The engineer shares with the conductor/guard, who is in charge of the train, responsibility for the safe operation of the train and application of the rules and procedures of the railway company.

On many railroads, the career progression is one that starts as an assistant conductor (brakeman), conductor and finally, engineer. In the United States the engineer is required to be certified and re-certified every 2-3 years.

Engineer is responsible for preparing equipment for service, checking paperwork and the condition of the locomotives. His/her duties require that he/she control acceleration, braking and handling of the train underway. He/she must know the physical characteristics of the railroad, including passenger stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits. Along with the conductor, the engineer monitors time to not fall behind schedule, nor leave stations early. The train’s speed must be reduced when following other trains, approaching route diversions, or regulating time over road to avoid arriving too early. The engineer assumes the duties of the conductor if he or she should be incapacitated.

There is another person called locomotive engineer who is required to have an intimate knowledge of track geometry including signal placement so as to be able to safely control their train.

Maintaining concentration is of critical importance in this role.

The qualifications and experience required for this position are as follows:

You do not always need set qualifications to get into this type of work, although most employers will expect you to have a good general standard of education, including maths and English GCSEs. Some mechanical or electrical knowledge may also be useful.

You can apply directly to train operating companies for details of any vacancies. Alternatively, you could start work in the rail service in another job, for example, as part of the station staff or maintenance crews, and then apply for trainee driver posts when they come up. Train companies often promote from within.

You normally have to be at least 21 to work as a train driver on the national rail network. If you are aged between 18 and 21, you may be able to train and work in yards and depots away from passenger lines. To work on the London Underground you must be at least 18.

Successful candidates in the first level are been invited to a training centre where you would sit tests on:

Basic mechanical knowledge, ability to recall information, reaction times, Concentration skills.

The successful candidates in all the above levels go further for an in person interview.

You will also have to pass a medical, which will test your fitness levels, eyesight, colour vision and hearing. Employers have strict rules on drug and alcohol abuse, and can carry out random tests at any time.





By: Richard Mcmunn ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/getting-a-job-as-a-train-driver-in-an-easy-way/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/juvenile-detention-officer-and-how-to-get-juvenile-detention-officer-job/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/juvenile-detention-officer-and-how-to-get-juvenile-detention-officer-job/#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:21:55 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/juvenile-detention-officer-and-how-to-get-juvenile-detention-officer-job/ A juvenile detention officer must be someone who enjoys working with young people. A juvenile who is being detained is kept separate from adult offenders. The need for juvenile detention officers exists because many young people break the law. They cannot be placed with adult offenders due to the age restrictions of society governing the definition of adult and juvenile.

The juvenile detention officer is the one responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all the young people who are locked up within the detention center. The duties of the juvenile detention officer will include but are not limited to:

1. Process juveniles as they are brought into the juvenile detention center

2. Take the juvenile offender to court when appearances are required

3. If the need arises they must transport the youth to a medical facility

4. Monitor the juvenile and their visitors so that all facility rules are adhered to

5. Supervise juveniles during the recreational periods

6. Keep accurate records of the juvenile inmate’s records while they are detained

7. Keep each juvenile offender safe

8. Be a good role model and treat the juvenile with respect

Among the jobs that are performed by juvenile detention officers would be the training on proper dispensing of medications to youth in these facilities in the absence of a medical professional. The officer is responsible for the inspection of any and all packages that are sent to a juvenile.

They must possess good communication skills as well as written because one aspect of their job will be report keeping. There must be reports kept for any incidents and problems. This will assure the proper rules were followed and the problem was taken care of according to the procedures of the facility in which the officer is employed.

What Are the Requirements to Get a Juvenile Detention Officer Job?

In order to qualify as a juvenile detention officer, you must be at least be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have either of a high school diploma or a GED certification. A background check must be passed. This is just the beginning.

After passing these requirements, a training program that is from 3 to 10 weeks for officer prospects must be attended and passed. Depending on the facility you want to work, there may be other requirements.

The typical requirement almost anywhere is two years of experience. The experience can be substituted by two years of college.

The more schooling you have along these lines as well as certificates, the better position you are to get the juvenile detention officer job. The beauty is there are universities or colleges that have related classes that can be taken to prepare one to become a juvenile detention officer.

A juvenile detention officer should have a genuine like for young people. The career can often be stressful, but handling a job such as this can have its rewards as well. The ability to be a role model to the troubled youth of today does have its own kind of rewards.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are clickable.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are clickable.





By: Kenneth Echie ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/08/juvenile-detention-officer-and-how-to-get-juvenile-detention-officer-job/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/the-training-and-skills-you-need-to-become-a-probation-officer/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/the-training-and-skills-you-need-to-become-a-probation-officer/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:34:23 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/the-training-and-skills-you-need-to-become-a-probation-officer/ Oftentimes people have the need to give back. This may be done by helping those that are in need. This is one of the things that drive people to become probation officers. A probation officer helps offenders re-adjust to society.

After they receive the training and skills needed to become probation officers, they are rewarded with a career where they have the ability to change lives. They accomplish this by ensuring offenders stay on course with the conditions of their probation.

People on probation have set goals and rules on which the success of their rehabilitation depends. A probation officer is charged with seeing that persons assigned to probation adhere to these following goal and rules:

1. They must be employed, actively seeking employment, or register for school.

2. They must notify their probation officer of any changes in employment, phone number, or address.

3. They must not receive any new charges.

4. They may not leave the jurisdiction of the probation without first notifying their probation officer.

5. They must be present for all scheduled appointments or give 24 hours notice if unable to attend.

6. They must pay any restitution, court costs, fines, or other costs incurred by their judgment.

Statistics show that 86% of all those on probation violate or are otherwise repeat offenders.

Job requirements-

Probation officers should be in good physical and emotional condition. Most agencies require applicants to be at least 21 years old. Those convicted of felonies are not usually eligible for hire in this occupation. Prior employment in such areas as court services, corrections, drug abuse treatment, or counseling may aid towards any requirement for previous work experience.

Education-

Qualifications vary by agency, but a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is one of the most common requirements. Most applicants are required to complete oral, written, psychological, and physical certification examinations for probation officer licensing.

Training-

Many probation officers work as trainees, on a probationary period of up to a year, before obtaining a permanent position.

Skills-

A probation officer must have the following skills to be successful:

1. Excellent listening abilities since you need to absolve what is being said.

2. The skill to work effectively with others because you need to deal with offenders and their families.

3. The ability to communicate effectively. This is because you will be required to testify in the court of law. The last thing you need is to fumble around when the time comes.

4. The skill needed to write reports. The job requires you to write progress reports on the offenders you are working with. This report will go to courts and will be read by judges and lawyers.

5. You will need to know basic self defense skills. The criminal offenders you supervise can get violent sometimes. You need to be able to protect yourself before law enforcement officers get there.

There you have it—-the skills and training you need to become a probation officer. If you are interested, I encourage to do more reading on the internet. You can do this if you visit websites that cover the probation officer profession in more detail.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are live links.





By: Kenneth Echie ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/the-training-and-skills-you-need-to-become-a-probation-officer/feed/ 0 http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/areas-of-employment-for-dental-assistants/ http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/areas-of-employment-for-dental-assistants/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:11:22 +0000 admin http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/areas-of-employment-for-dental-assistants/ A career as a Dental Assistant will open many doors of opportunity. Dental Assistants will be among the highest growing occupations from now until 2012. This is because people are starting to take a better interest in their oral health. Technological advances have led many individuals to the dentist office for cosmetic dental procedures rather than just cleanings and major dental work. Also, people are living longer, so their teeth need more care to stay healthy throughout their life.

The most common place of employment to find Dental Assistants is in the dental office. Here they provide a variety of services. They often help to comfort scared patients prior to procedures as well as give them follow up care at the end of the appointment. Dental Assistants clean the tools used as well as make sure each work unit has the necessary tools and equipment ready for the next patient’s procedures.

Dental Assistants in the dental office work very closely with Dentists and Hygienists. They often sit in on all procedures, handing staff the necessary tools. Dentist offices are generally small so Dental Assistants often help with lab work. This includes making molds of teeth for caps, bridges, and other dental work. They may also be required to assist with the taking of X-rays.

A common place for Dental Assistants to be employed is in prisons. With more and more prisons being built all over the Nation, Dental Assistants are in great demand for Federal, State, and privately owned prisons. Working as a dental assistant in a prison setting requires more caution that in a regular dental office.

All Nursing Assistants need to be aware of the risk of communicable diseases that are transmitted via saliva and blood. However, the rate of these diseases, especially HIV, is much higher with a prison population than the general public. Also, some inmates might try to attack by biting.

Nursing Assistants in a prison setting need to be alert, and never let down their guard, inmates often look for any opportunity to escape or obtain weapons. They can use a dental tool as a weapon against you, other staff, or other inmates. It is very important that you keep very close track of all dental tools in a prison setting. Never leave a tool in the reach of an inmate for even a moment. If you discover a tool is missing, immediately notify your supervisor and follow the procedures outlined in the prison policy.

For those Dental Assistants wanting to help the lower income populations, securing employment in a Child Development Center, Head Start, or Migrant program is an excellent way of giving back to the community. Often, these populations can’t afford dental care and would go without it if the services weren’t offered as part of a government program. Employment in these types of agencies as a Dental Assistant often pays less than other employment opportunities in the field. However, many Dental Assistants make the choice to help those in need rather than earn more money.

There are many opportunities to work as a Dental Assistant for agencies who serve the disabled. Often, Dental Assistants are afraid to work with such a population. However, once you feel comfortable with disabled people and their disabilities, you will be able to provide proper care to those who are in need, regardless of their mental capacity or physical appearance.

A career as a Dental Assistant offers you many areas of employment including dental offices, prisons, low income programs, and for facilities who serve the disabled. The ability to choose the type of environment you want to use your Dental Assistant skills in makes the field even more inviting. If you are not sure if a particular type of agency is a good fit for you, talk to them. Ask if you can shadow another Dental Assistant who works there for a few days. This should give you plenty of exposure to the activities that take place in that agency.





By: Uchenna Ani-Okoye ]]> http://www.prisonguardtoday.com/2009/07/areas-of-employment-for-dental-assistants/feed/ 0