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Probation Counselor information

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$50K

$77.3K

$96.5K

How much do probation counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation counselor in the United States is $77,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probation counselor?

A probation counselor works with troubled youth or juvenile delinquents. Job duties include providing behavioral or substance abuse counseling and coordinating with families. Career qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a similar field and experience working with youth. Additional job duties for a probation counselor often include teaching classes for their clients or their families and writing reports to document progress.

What is a probation counselor?

A Probation Counselor is a professional who supervises and supports individuals placed on probation by the court. They help clients comply with the terms of their probation, offering guidance, resources, and counseling to encourage positive behavioral changes and prevent reoffending. Probation Counselors often work closely with the legal system, families, and community organizations. Their goal is to help probationers successfully reintegrate into society while ensuring public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a probation counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Probation Counselor, you need a background in criminal justice, counseling, or social work, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications. Familiarity with case management software, legal documentation systems, and risk assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and sound judgment help build trust and effectively support individuals on probation. These competencies are crucial for ensuring public safety, promoting rehabilitation, and facilitating successful reintegration into the community.

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

Probation counselors often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can make it challenging to provide individualized attention to each client. Balancing administrative duties, court reporting, and direct client interactions requires strong organizational skills and time management. Additionally, counselors may encounter resistance or non-compliance from clients, making it important to have effective communication and motivational strategies. Team collaboration with law enforcement, social services, and the judicial system is essential to ensure clients receive the support they need while meeting legal requirements.

What is the difference between Probation Counselor vs Parole Officer?

AspectProbation CounselorParole Officer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, psychology, or counselingUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles prefer a master's in social work or criminal justice
Work EnvironmentWork in community settings, courts, or correctional facilities, providing counseling and supportWork in community supervision offices, correctional facilities, or courts, monitoring parolees
Employer & IndustryCourts, probation agencies, community organizationsState correction departments, parole agencies, criminal justice system
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles in offender supervision and rehabilitation

Both Probation Counselors and Parole Officers work within the criminal justice system to supervise offenders, but Probation Counselors focus on offenders under probation, providing counseling and support, while Parole Officers supervise parolees after release from prison, ensuring compliance and reintegration.

Is a probation counselor the same as a probation officer?

A probation counselor is a professional who provides support and guidance to individuals on probation, often focusing on rehabilitation and counseling. A probation officer typically supervises probationers, enforces court orders, and monitors compliance. While their roles overlap, probation officers generally have more authority in enforcement and case management, and both roles may require relevant certifications or training.
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Probation Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Probation Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,312 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

JUVENILE PROBATION COUNSELOR I

Thurston County Central Services Department

Tumwater, WA • On-site

$5.9K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description


The salary for this position is: $5,959.00 - $7,926.00 monthly.
Thurston County Juvenile Court is recruiting for three (3) Juvenile Probation Counselor I's; one in the Dependency Guardian Ad Litem unit, and two in the Probation unit.
Thurston County Juvenile Court is three seeking professional, proficient, and dedicated candidates for the Juvenile Probation Counselor I position. In this position, you will be responsible for monitoring a caseload and providing supervision, advocacy, interventions, and general counseling to adjudicated youthful offenders, dependent children, youth in conflict with their families, truants, and other youth under the supervision of the Juvenile Court. Other responsibilities may include monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions and providing support services and referrals to appropriate community agencies to modify and re-direct delinquent behavior of youth.
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Monitors, directs, and counsels juvenile offenders with mental health or substance use disorders, or non-offenders in their completion of court-ordered obligations.
  • Formulates responses to non-compliance that may include returning the juvenile to court.
  • Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews to determine risk to re-offend and identify risk and need. Uses motivational interviewing techniques to develop a Case Plan to decrease criminogenic risk factors and enhance protective factors. Completes risk assessment reassessments as necessary.
  • Refers eligible juveniles to Evidence Based Programs. Coordinates community resources for juvenile offenders, including employment, alcohol/drug treatment, psychiatric/psychological services, and other counseling and treatment programs.
  • Performs field supervision of juvenile offenders, including home, school, and job contacts. Maintains written and electronic records of activities, observations, contacts, and other relevant events and issues on each assigned juvenile.
  • Provides legal preparation, court reports, and court appearance on cases assigned.
  • Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with clients, professionals, public and private officials, and the public.
  • Leads, teaches and/or facilitates classes and programs for youth and/or parents.
  • Transports youth in custody.

To view the full job classification, click here: Juvenile Probation Counselor I
WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Work Environment - The position is based in a courthouse environment in Tumwater, WA. Staff are assigned to work within the courthouse, which may involve a combination of offices, courtrooms, and other areas of the building.
  • Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Travel Requirements - Staff are expected to perform home visits.
  • Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone and in-person with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:
Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage
WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:
  • Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
  • Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plansfor more information.
  • Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
  • Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
  • Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
  • Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you'll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington's South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer's markets, kids' activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.
Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences, corrections, law enforcement, or public administration.
  • Two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, juvenile probation, juvenile parole, or a social work field. Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the educational qualification on a year for year basis.
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.

DESIRED SKILLS:
  • Successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
  • Be certified in Washington State Juvenile Court Administrators (WAJCA) Assessment Tool.
  • A valid First Aid and CPR Card.
  • Extensive knowledge of juvenile offender programs.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
  • Ability to cope with stressful situations and deal firmly and tactfully with clients.
  • Ability to diffuse potentially volatile situations.
  • Ability to interact with a variety of agencies, groups and individuals.
  • Ability to make presentations to large or small groups.
  • Ability to modify criminogenic factors of juveniles.
  • Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques to help youth and family make behavior change.
  • Ability to fairly enforce the orders of the court.
  • Ability to work independently and establish priorities.
  • Legal aptitude, proficiency to complete court preparation, and provide professional court appearance.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: James Madsen at 360-709-3148.
This position is:
  • Not represented by a Union
  • Eligible for benefits
  • Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:
  • Application
  • Resume
  • Letter of Interest
  • Supplemental Questions

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.
THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County's Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.

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