1

Probation Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Announcement Responsible for direct care of a majority male resident population, providing ... This advertisement may be used to fill multiple full-time Probation Counselor I vacancies.

Probation Counselor I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$60K - $106K/yr

Open to General Public Job Announcement Responsible for direct care of a majority male resident ... This advertisement may be used to fill multiple full-time Probation Counselor I vacancies.

... full-time Probation I staff members. Serves as a Court liaison, provides transportation of ... Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic ...

Probation Counselor II

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $122K/yr

... full-time Probation I staff members. Serves as a Court liaison, provides transportation of ... Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Probation Director information

What is a probation director?

Probation Directors are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the operations and administration of probation departments. They manage staff, develop policies, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and coordinate with courts and community agencies to supervise offenders placed on probation. Their role includes setting departmental goals, managing budgets, and implementing rehabilitation programs to help offenders reintegrate into society. Probation Directors play a crucial role in balancing public safety with support for individuals under community supervision.

What are some common challenges a probation director faces in managing both staff and caseloads?

A Probation Director often balances the demands of supervising a diverse team of probation officers while also ensuring effective management of high and complex caseloads. Challenges include addressing staff training needs, implementing policy updates, and adapting to changes in legislation or community resources. Additionally, the director must foster collaboration among staff, courts, and community partners to support client rehabilitation and public safety. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Probation Director, you need an in-depth understanding of criminal justice, management experience, and a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, data analysis software, and relevant legal or correctional certifications is typically required. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective supervision of staff, compliance with regulations, and successful rehabilitation outcomes for probationers.

What is the difference between Probation Director vs Probation Officer?

AspectProbation DirectorProbation Officer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in criminal justice or related field; often requires supervisory experienceBachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; some positions may require certification
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, overseeing probation departmentsFieldwork, supervising offenders in community settings
Employer & IndustryCourts, government agencies, correctional departmentsCourts, probation offices, criminal justice agencies

Probation Directors focus on managing probation departments, policy implementation, and staff supervision, while Probation Officers handle case management, supervising offenders, and ensuring compliance with court orders. Both roles are essential in the criminal justice system but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Probation jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Probation jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Probation Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

$60K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Announcement Responsible for direct care of a majority male resident population, providing security and controlling the Juvenile Detention Center. Including monitoring the residents living units, security desk and court holding during designated shift. Provides in-depth counseling to detainees on such diverse topics as substance abuse, crisis intervention, mental health and conflict resolution.

Conducts group and individual sessions with detainees to help ease their adjustment anxieties. Utilizes physical crisis intervention as needed to bodily control disruptive or aggressive residents. Supervises residents during unit activities, health, recreation and in the school program.

Performs security checks, wake-up and bedtime procedures, showering and hygiene functions, and unit housekeeping. Writes behavioral observations and disciplinary reports. Provides orientation of residents to the program.

This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster). This advertisement may be used to fill multiple full-time Probation Counselor I vacancies. Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list

A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.) Residential Services Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic programs; Ensures that residents maintain behavioral norms; Maintains communication with a resident's probation counselor, school representative, employer, family, and significant others; Coordinates and implements a residential program area (e.g., recreational, educational, or employment activities); Coordinates and transports detainees between the courts, the residential detention facility or other various facilities; Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Valid Driver's License (Required at the time of application) Medication Management (Required within 6 months) CPR/First Aid (Required within 30 days) Handle With Care (Required within 30 days) NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: This position is considered Emergency Service Personnel to ensure the continuity of essential operations, and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster). The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer: Criminal Background Investigation Child Protective Services Driving Record Check Pre-employment Medical Evaluation Tuberculosis Test PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Prior experience working in a secure facility or a residential setting for juveniles. Must be able to work in the day (7am-3pm), evenings (3pm-11pm), overnights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather and/or emergencies. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Employees must be able to physically restrain acting out residents and is required to lift to 50 pounds. This position requires walking, standing for long periods of time, periodic running, visual and auditory acuity and the ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and other electronic equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations. SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include a practical exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314.

DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY. #LI-AL1 Requisition 26-01288


What Fairfax County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom