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County Probation Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Dakota County seeks probation officers who see themselves as change agents for their clients, engaging clients, assessing their barriers to success, supporting access to needed services, motivating ...

Assistant Probation Officer

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$27.94 - $39.68/hr

Have availability to an insured vehicle that can be used for County business. Must successfully pass a BCA background investigation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the probationary and ...

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AUGUST 18TH The Assistant County Attorney performs prompt and ... probation officers during business hours, at night, weekends and holidays. Completes other legal ...

Assistant County Attorney

Faribault, MN · On-site

$46.76 - $65.47/hr

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AUGUST 18TH The Assistant County Attorney performs prompt and ... Probation Officer/Agent * Social Workers * Department of Corrections * Victim advocates * Domestic ...

Probation Agent

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Probation Agents facilitate offender change while monitoring compliance with court-ordered ... Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department and County associates in a ...

Probation Agent

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Probation Agents facilitate offender change while monitoring compliance with court-ordered ... Compensation The county strives to be a market competitive employer with compensation rates that ...

... probationary period. Proficiency in a second language may be eligible for an extra $1.00/hour. Excellent Benefit Package. APPLY TO: Nobles County Administration Office. Visit our website at www.co ...

... probationary period. Proficiency in a second language may be eligible for an extra $1.00/hour. Excellent Benefit Package. APPLY TO: Nobles County Administration Office. Visit our website at www.co ...

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County Probation information

See Minnesota salary details

$30.9K

$61.7K

$97.5K

How much do county probation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for county probation in Minnesota is $61,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by county probation officers in managing their caseloads?

County probation officers often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can be challenging due to the varying needs and risk levels of clients. Balancing administrative tasks, such as documentation and court reports, with fieldwork and direct supervision requires strong organizational skills. Officers may encounter resistance or noncompliance from clients, so effective communication and problem-solving abilities are essential. Additionally, collaboration with law enforcement, social services, and the courts is frequent, requiring flexibility and teamwork. Staying updated on legal and procedural changes is also important to ensure compliance and best outcomes.

Where do county probation officers make the most money?

County probation officers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and larger populations, such as urban areas or counties with greater budgets for criminal justice. Factors like experience, education, and specialized certifications can also influence salary levels across different counties.

What classes do you need to become a county probation officer?

To become a county probation officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant coursework includes criminal law, juvenile justice, and social services; some positions may require additional training or certification in areas like case management or conflict resolution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county probation officer?

To thrive as a County Probation Officer, you need a background in criminal justice, social work, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification. Knowledge of case management software, legal documentation systems, and electronic monitoring tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills help officers build rapport with clients and manage complex caseloads. These skills are crucial for ensuring compliance with court orders, supporting rehabilitation, and maintaining community safety.

What is the difference between County Probation vs County Parole Officer?

AspectCounty ProbationCounty Parole Officer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; some positions may require certificationSimilar educational requirements; often requires parole-specific training or certification
Work EnvironmentWorks within the probation department, supervising offenders on probation in community settingsWorks within parole agencies, supervising offenders released from prison in community settings
Employer & IndustryCounty government, criminal justice systemCounty government, criminal justice system
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping roles in offender supervisionRelated but focuses on offenders transitioning from incarceration to community

County Probation and County Parole Officer roles both involve supervising offenders in the community, but probation officers typically oversee individuals on probation, while parole officers supervise those released from prison. Both positions require similar educational backgrounds and work within county criminal justice agencies, serving different stages of offender rehabilitation.

What is a county probation officer?

County probation officers are professionals who supervise individuals who have been placed on probation instead of serving time in jail or prison. They monitor offenders' compliance with court-ordered conditions, provide support and resources for rehabilitation, and ensure public safety. Their duties often include conducting regular check-ins, coordinating with treatment providers, preparing reports for the court, and sometimes working with victims. Probation officers play a crucial role in helping offenders reintegrate into the community while holding them accountable for their actions.
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for County Probation jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most County Probation job openings:
Infographic showing various County Probation job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,669 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Probation Officer Shift Lead

Dakota County

Hastings, MN

$73K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Dakota County (Minnesota) rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections HOURS: Full-time HIRING RANGE: $73,515- $82,705/year FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,515- $114,868/year LOCATION: Juvenile Service Center, Hastings, MN UNION: AFSCME 450 CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 8/13/2026 There is currently one opening for a full-time Shift Lead Probation Officer in the Juvenile Service Center (JSC) located in Hastings, MN. This position is on a 4 day on, 2 day off rotation and includes days, evening, weekends, and holidays as scheduled

.This position is assigned to work inside a secure juvenile facility. Community Corrections' Mission Statement: To transform lives, promote equity and increase community safety. Community Corrections' Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement: As a system we are committed to dismantling institutional racism and healing historical trauma

We are moving forward as a place where inclusion, respect, acceptance, growth, and teaching are expected. We will recognize our individualities. We will listen to every voice, recognize our biases, and grow towards a more equitable and inclusive culture.

We will help each other learn by modeling, teaching, and listening. Probation officers establish professional relationships with adult and juvenile clients involved in the criminal justice system. The primary responsibility of a probation officer is to actively and directly facilitate client change.

This requires a holistic view of human behavior. Dakota County seeks probation officers who see themselves as change agents for their clients, engaging clients, assessing their barriers to success, supporting access to needed services, motivating clients to seek change, and extending interventions that lead clients to greater success. The JSC Probation Officer-Shift Leader work alongside supervisors to manage building operations and resident programming.

Community Corrections is part of the Community Services Division. Community Services includes Social Services, Public Health, Veteran Services, and Employment and Economic Assistance. The division is focusing on Integrated Service Delivery and meeting the needs of all of our clients no matter which department(s) are providing services.

We work with our clients to support their needs for housing, employment, transportation, health care, education, financial assistance and empowerment. Applicants for this vacancy will be considered for future JSC Probation Officer Shift Lead positions for the next six months. Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents.

Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve.

We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education or related behavioral science field, AND 12 months experience in corrections, human services or related behavioral science field Required license(s): Valid driver's license First Aid/CPR certificate within 6 months of hire. (For Probation Officers working in the secure residential facility or the day treatment program.

Training provided by the facility.) To be eligible for hire, an applicant must successfully complete a background check and meet the criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. The law and/or County policy will disqualify applicants with a particular criminal history background from employment in this position. *Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive

"Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions

Work alongside the Supervisor to actively manage building operations and programming, including meals, medication delivery, and completing well-being checks. Oversee these operations in the absence of supervisor. Facilitate the referral and intake process at the Juvenile Service Center to include screening and assessment.

Receive and accurately process referrals from Law Enforcement, Dakota County Crisis, and other Corrections Departments. Process new resident intakes, including use of the Risk Assessment Instrument, fingerprints, drug screenings, and completion of the intake process. Be a leader to other staff, interns, and volunteers, including providing direction during crisis situations.

Support the resident's work on their case plans created by the case manager to target criminogenic needs. Employ motivational interviewing to aid clients in constructing intrinsic reasons for behavioral change. Promote skill building by utilizing EBP strategies.

Maintain complete client records and documentation in keeping with department, state, and legal standards. Coordinate staff to perform specifically defined client services, including assigning staff to work in living units when there is no supervisor on duty. Respond to citizen or other criminal justice professionals' requests for information.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Knowledge of criminal behavior and/or juvenile delinquency, and of the criminal justice system in Minnesota. Knowledge of trauma informed care and working with clients with mental health needs. Knowledge of group dynamics.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system in Minnesota; working knowledge of the functions of its component parts. Knowledge of the Juvenile Standards outlined in the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Knowledge of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI).

Knowledge of Integrated Service Delivery and the ability to assess a person's social, economic, educational, mental health, and physical health needs and make necessary referrals. Knowledge of dynamics of family functioning. Knowledge and ability to apply Evidence Based Practices with detained juveniles.

Ability to use rewards, reinforcements, and interventions appropriately with juveniles, to be fair and understanding, while being firm and consistent. Knowledge of data privacy rules, practices, and confidentiality. Ability to adapt to change to support organizational change, development, growth, and progress.

Ability to use Motivational Interviewing with juveniles to encourage cognitive behavioral change. Ability to make decisions under stress, while abiding by Departmental and State policies and guidelines. Including the ability to use de-escalation skills to resolve conflicts.

Ability to work collaboratively with others to accomplish tasks, plan and resolve problems. Ability to support residents in completing their case plan goals. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to apply departmental policies and procedures to assigned duties. Ability to organize, prioritize, and have good time management. Ability to learn and appropriately use the department's Controlled Force Model.

Ability to use computers and learn various database systems including CSTS, CSIR, MNCIS, Statewide Supervision System, CJINN, and others. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and deal with different perspectives. Ability and openness to adapt to change, to grow and progress, and the desire to acquire new skills and develop professionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a secured correctional 40 bed facility. Some limited travel or transportation of clients may be required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.

Exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibrations; hazardous materials such as chemicals, blood, and other body fluids; and exposure to intense noise may occur. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, scanner, printer, calculator, telephone, EHM/GPS equipment, camera and copy machines. SELECTION PROCESS: You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checks BENEFITS: Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home some of the time.


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