Local Probation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Official Title: Assistant Chief Probation Officer - Bristol Probate & Family Court

Pay Grade: N17

Salary Range: N17 Entry Level Pay $95,840.42 to Pay Range Maximum $139,971.00

Starting Pay:$95,840.42

Salary Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement with NAGE International Union, Local 5000. Pay may advance within the salary band per the CBA/MOU.

Departmental Mission Statement: Protecting and Building Safer, Healthier, Stronger Communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-probation-service

Notes:

• Candidates must have passed the November 2025 Assistant Chief Probation Officer (ACPO) promotional exam, or be a current ACPO, to be eligible to apply.
• You must upload a current resume to your profile during the application process.
• This position is part of the NAGE bargaining unit.
• Probate & Family Court Experience Preferred.
• The Bristol Probate & Family Court is a multi-site location. Travel and/or reassignment may be required at the discretion of the department head to the following sessions: Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford

Position Summary: Serves as a member of the local probation department leadership team, assists the Chief Probation Officer in the supervision of probation staff, which includes assigning work and ensuring procedural compliance with probation standards. Provides staff with feedback, support, training, and coaching. May serve as the department head as required in the absence of the Chief Probation Officer.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer or their designee.

• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance. and participating in and providing input for performance evaluations;
• Enforces office policies, reviews case work and ensures corrective action is taken as needed;
• Conducts case reviews for all case types;
• Facilitates and participates in meetings;
• Reviews and approves case review list. Ensures reviews of probation cases are completed accurately and in compliance with supervision standards;
• Performs administrative duties, including responding to inquiries, assisting the Chief Probation Officer, First Assistant Chief Probation Officer, and providing monthly statistics;
• Assesses the training needs and professional development of staff and conducts approved training in collaboration with the MPS Training Division;
• Conducts individual and group supervision meetings and observation of probation staff as required in the MPS Supervision Standards for Probation Supervisors;
• Issues written warnings to probation officers and associate probation officers as necessary in consultation with the Chief Probation Officer;
• May manage time and attendance, including approving time entered in SSTA;
• May participate in the hiring and promotion process and selection for designations for special assignment;
• Disciplines employees as appropriate with the approval of the Chief Probation Officer up to letters of warning and reprimand;
• Testifies at disciplinary hearings, grievance hearings, arbitrations, or in other forums on cases as required;
• Performs public relations, addresses community, school and professional groups and organizations;
• May oversees drug testing, community supervision and/or field work field contacts and equipment/supply management such as electronic monitoring equipment, Remote Breath, DNA, drug testing supplies and PPE;
• May also perform duties of lower-level probation officer positions as needed; and
• Performs other duties as required.

This position serves as a supervisor to others.

This position operates under general direction with long-term impact on the organization.

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments and in the community. Work requires frequent exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds.

This position requires light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly having to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for the Sedentary Work category and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated Light Work

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.

Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.

Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to accurately identify problems and to use available resources to find a solution or to take corrective action.

Applied Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to use data to diagnose problems and drive enhancements and efficiencies in departmental operations.

Leadership: Ability to influence and provide direction to others; engendering confidence and trust from others under challenging circumstances.

Influence: Understands the appropriate use of advocacy and persuasion in order to effectuate positive change and growth within the organization.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Managing External Environment: Creates and promotes cooperative partnerships with other agencies in Probation’s sphere of operations; develops strategies to promote partnerships and team building.

Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of related work experience as a Probation Officer.

Knowledge and Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software.
• Departmental and court policies and procedures.
• Case Management Systems.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision.
• MPS Polices and Standards and the Trial Court standards.
• Union contracts and HR policy and procedures.
• Assessments/skill building processes.
• Community resources.

Skill in:

• Organization and time management.
• Leadership.
• Attention to detail.
• Critical Thinking.

Ability to:

• Establish effective working relationships with others.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to travel as needed to conduct community supervision/field work.
• Develop Training.