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Local Probation Officer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... on local, state, and federal changes that could impact programming. Make recommendations ... met, complete probation and annual evaluations, issue discipline and discharge, provide ...

... probation officers, relief workers, and other SUD treatment programs. * Attend outreach events ... The primary objective of the role is to build and maintain referral relationships within the local ...

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Local Probation Officer information

See Indiana salary details

$30K

$59.9K

$94.7K

How much do local probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for local probation officer in Indiana is $59,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $70,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Probation Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Probation Officer, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, strong understanding of legal procedures, and case management skills. Familiarity with case management software, electronic monitoring systems, and court documentation tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities help build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with law enforcement and court officials. These skills are crucial for ensuring public safety, supporting offender rehabilitation, and maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.

What are local probation officers?

Local probation officers are professionals who supervise individuals placed on probation instead of serving time in jail or prison. They work within communities to ensure that probationers comply with court-ordered conditions, such as attending counseling, maintaining employment, or abstaining from drugs and alcohol. These officers also provide support and resources to help offenders rehabilitate and reduce the risk of reoffending. Their duties often include conducting home visits, reporting to the court, and collaborating with law enforcement and social service agencies.

Is it hard to get hired as a probation officer?

Getting hired as a probation officer can be competitive, as it typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree, such as in criminal justice or social work, along with passing background checks and sometimes completing training or certification. Strong interpersonal skills, experience in social services, and knowledge of legal procedures can improve chances of employment in this field.

What qualifications do I need to be a trainee probation officer?

To become a trainee probation officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require a college degree or relevant work experience. A background in social work, criminal justice, or psychology is beneficial, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Some jurisdictions may require passing background checks and completing specific training programs or certifications before full employment.

What do you need to be a probation officer?

To become a probation officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field, along with relevant work experience or internships. A valid driver's license, background check, and sometimes certification or training are also required. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and knowledge of the legal system are essential for the role.

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

AspectLocal Probation OfficerParole Officer
CredentialsCriminal justice degree, certificationCriminal justice degree, certification
Work EnvironmentCourts, probation offices, community settingsCorrectional facilities, community supervision
Employer & IndustryCourts, local government, criminal justice systemState correction agencies, parole boards
Primary FocusSupervising offenders on probationSupervising parolees after prison release

Both roles involve supervising offenders and require similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The main difference is that Local Probation Officers oversee individuals on probation within the community, while Parole Officers supervise those released from prison on parole. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position within the criminal justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by Local Probation Officers when managing caseloads?

Local Probation Officers often manage a large and diverse caseload, which can present challenges such as balancing administrative duties with client supervision and ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions. Officers must also navigate varying levels of risk among clients, respond quickly to violations, and coordinate with community resources for rehabilitation. Strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both clients and other agencies are essential for successfully addressing these challenges.

Where do probation officers make the most money?

Probation officers tend to earn higher salaries in states with larger populations and higher costs of living, such as California, New York, and Illinois. Salaries can also vary based on experience, education, and the specific agency or jurisdiction they work for, with urban areas generally offering higher pay than rural regions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Probation Officer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Probation Officer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Local Probation Officer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Local Probation Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Probation Officer job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,915 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Adult Probation - Rousseau Centre - Probation Officer

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

Department:  Circuit Court-Adult Probation                                                  FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification/Level:  UPROB                                                                       Date Last Reviewed:  12/2018

Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Officer assures proper probation enforcement for individual clients in Allen County including maintenance of detailed case proceedings, frequent monitoring of probation progress and resolution of problems with clients and their probation terms. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook.  This is an employee-at-will position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Responsible for conducting regular interviews with clients according to probation terms and/or risks and needs assessment schedule.
  • Evaluates clients’ progress toward completing terms of probation.   Reviews deficiencies and provides inquiries/difficulties as situations demand.
  • Completes special meetings with clients to review complaints and non-compliance with probation terms including disciplinary meetings with supervisors.  Appears in court to testify to probation violation allegations and takes appropriate actions including petitioning court to revoke or modify probation.
  • Responds to phone calls concerning clients including taking complaints, providing and requesting information, arranging for transportation and/or participation in treatment programs and related services and locating clients/victims when necessary.
  • Attends a variety of court proceedings including sentencings, modification, restitution and dispositional hearings and small claims court.  Testifies occasionally, attends regular staff meetings and confers individually with Supervisor as needed.
  • Composes a variety of letters, memos and legal documents including Court Petitions for early discharges, unsatisfactory discharges and hearings.  Assigns typing and other secretarial duties to support staff providing additional instruction when necessary.
  • Conducts monthly case load review, checking files to ensure minimum necessary contact with each client, verifying completeness of notes and related paperwork and discussing problems with Supervisor if needed.
  • Complies monthly statistics and forwards reports to Supervisor.
  • Assists Supervisor with conducting annual case load review and evaluation of performance, developing personal improvement plans as appropriate.  Closes out files/case periodically, reviewing all client documentation to assure proper completion of all probation terms.  Completes final documents and reports as required.
  • Completes special projects as requested including observing and evaluating treatment programs and administering department internship program.
  • Attends annual State Probation Officer Conference and completes other professional development workshops, training and education as required.
  • Responds to emergencies on 24-hour basis performing related duties as assigned and/or required by law.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services or related field Certified Indiana Probation Officer
  • Valid IRAS Certification
  • Working knowledge of all local, state and federal laws applicable to probation operations
  • Knowledge of treatment programs and services available to clients from government, social and private agencies

 

REQUIREMENTS (Continued):

  • Ability to effectively interview, investigate and work with clients
  • Ability to effectively resolve emergency/crisis situations
  • Ability to maintain complete and accurate professional files and prepare department reports and statistics
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all Department records and information
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software programs
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate with professional and non-professional co-workers, personnel and officials from the courts and other governmental agencies, crime victims and the general public

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Probation Officer works has very frequent interactions with hostile, aggressive and potentially violent adults and their families.  The Probation Officer must be able to move around freely with the ability to frequently sit, some lifting up to twenty pounds, frequent bending and some reaching over head and kneeling.  Very frequent typing including transcription and proofreading is required and frequent attention to detail, monitoring equipment and detailed inspection with some exposure to temperature extremes and noxious odors/fumes is required.

LICENSING:

Indiana Certified Probation Officer

Valid IRAS certification

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Chief Probation Officer

HOURS:

8:00 am – 4:30 pm and as needed with the ability to be on-call 24/7, 40 hours