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Probation And Parole Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Probation/Parole Officer 2

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$56K - $85K/yr

Supervise Probation, Parole and Work Release clients Maintain a thorough and detailed case file for each client including completion of assessments and case management plans. Prepares and presents ...

Probation & Parole Officer II

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$42.17 - $53.85/hr

Probation and Parole Officer I $36.43- $46.48 Probation and Parole Officer II $42.17- $53.85(Must be DPSST Certified for Probation and Parole at time of hire) Washington County Community Corrections ...

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Probation And Parole information

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$59K

$84.5K

How much do probation and parole jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation and parole in the United States is $59,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Probation and Parole Officer, you need a background in criminal justice or social work, strong case management abilities, and often a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with case management software, law enforcement databases, and sometimes state-required certifications is essential. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and empathy are critical soft skills for effectively supporting and supervising clients. These skills are crucial for promoting rehabilitation, ensuring public safety, and successfully guiding individuals through the criminal justice system.

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

AspectProbation And ParoleProbation Officer
CredentialsCriminal justice degree, training in supervision and interventionCriminal justice degree, training in case management and legal procedures
Work EnvironmentSupervising offenders in community settings, offices, or homesSupervising offenders, conducting assessments, and collaborating with agencies
Employer & IndustryCourts, correctional agencies, parole boardsCourts, probation departments, criminal justice agencies

Probation And Parole professionals oversee offenders' compliance with court or parole conditions, often working in community settings. Probation Officers primarily focus on supervising offenders on probation, ensuring they follow court orders. While both roles involve offender supervision, Probation And Parole staff may also manage parolees returning to the community after incarceration. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in criminal justice.

What career paths can a probation officer take?

Probation officers can advance to supervisory roles such as senior probation officer or case manager, or transition into related fields like criminal justice administration, social work, or forensic counseling. They may also pursue specialized certifications or further education to qualify for roles in law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, or policy development.

What are probation and parole officers?

Probation and parole officers are professionals who supervise offenders who have been released into the community either on probation (instead of serving time in prison) or parole (after serving part of their sentence in prison). Their main role is to help these individuals reintegrate into society while ensuring they comply with court-ordered conditions. Officers conduct regular meetings, monitor behavior, provide resources for rehabilitation, and report progress to the courts. They play a crucial role in balancing public safety with supporting offenders’ successful reentry.

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

Probation and parole officers often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can be challenging due to varying levels of offender risk and needs. Balancing administrative duties, such as documentation and court reporting, with fieldwork like home visits and community supervision, requires strong organizational skills. Officers must also navigate difficult situations, such as addressing non-compliance or connecting offenders with appropriate resources, all while maintaining public safety. Effective communication and time management are essential to meeting these demands and supporting successful rehabilitation.

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.

Is it hard to get hired as a probation officer?

Getting hired as a probation officer can be competitive, often requiring 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 communication, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of the legal system are also important for securing a position in this field.
More about Probation And Parole jobs
What cities are hiring for Probation And Parole jobs? Cities with the most Probation And Parole job openings:
What states have the most Probation And Parole jobs? States with the most job openings for Probation And Parole jobs include:

Probation/Parole Officer - Adult Probation

COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIA

Allentown, PA • On-site

$27.77/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

General Definition:
  • This entry-level position involves the administration of criminal justice, supervising individuals on probation or parole. Work is accomplished through the assignment of a caseload of individuals for which the employee is responsible. As a representative of the Court, the Adult Probation/Parole Officer is responsible to provide legal accountability through enforcement, intervention, and redirection as required/needed by individuals on probation/parole supervision. Work includes performing presentence investigations or managing a caseload assigned on a geographic basis.

Position Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Completes presentence investigations by gathering information through interviews with defendants, victims, families and police departments.
  • Conducts field, office, phone and video contacts with individuals on supervision.
  • Refers individuals on supervision to the appropriate programs/services/interventions, sets goals and assesses progress.
  • Utilizes an assessment tool to develop treatment/supervision plans.
    Maintains organized, comprehensive and accurate case notes.
    Attends and testifies in revocation/violation and other court hearings in order to make
  • recommendations and provide input pertaining to an individual's supervision. Serves warrants, makes arrests, assists on transports and conducts searches. Performs urinalysis and breathalyzer testing on offenders as needed. Provides crisis intervention as needed.
  • Works collaboratively and maintains written and verbal contact with service providers, attorneys and collateral contacts.
  • Attends training opportunities as requested or required. Participates in committees and enhances community partnerships.
  • Perform other related duties as required to support the operation of the Department or at the direction of the Chief Probation Officer.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree with major course work in criminal justice, psychology, social work, counseling or a closely related field, or any equivalent combination of acceptable training, college credits and work-related experience.
  • Knowledge of the principles and policies of the adult probation and parole system, including statutes, rules and legal precedent.
  • Knowledge of casework principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of the principles of evidence-based practices in adult probation and parole services.
  • Knowledge of various computer systems used by the Adult Probation Department including Automon, CPCMS, KEA, JNET, CRN, Odyssey and Microsoft Suite.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete records for use by others. Strong organizational skills.
    Strong written and verbal skills.
    Strong interviewing and investigation skills.
  • Strong professional ethics.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Employment is contingent upon certification in defensive tactics.

Comments:
  • Adult Probation is creating an eligibility list for anticipated future vacancies.

Criminal background check, urinalysis and a psychological evaluation required.