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Probation Officer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Probation Officer information

See Alabama salary details

$28.6K

$57.1K

$90.2K

How much do probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation officer in Alabama is $57,071.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probation officer?

Probation officers are law enforcement professionals who supervise individuals who have been placed on probation instead of serving time in prison. They work to ensure that probationers comply with the terms set by the court, such as attending counseling, maintaining employment, and avoiding criminal activity. Probation officers also provide resources and support to help individuals rehabilitate and reintegrate into society while monitoring their progress and submitting regular reports to the court. Their role is crucial in balancing public safety with the rehabilitation of offenders.

What does a probation officer do?

Probation officers monitor criminal offenders, typically non-violent cases, to prevent them from committing crimes again. The courts assign probation officers with their caseload and instructions on how to work with the offenders, including the level of supervision required. Probation officers interview the offenders to determine their risk of repeat criminal activity, then provide guidance to fulfill the instructions from the court. Instructions may include helping the offenders find jobs, get substance abuse treatment, and complete community service projects. The probation officer oversees these cases, visits with the offenders regularly, and documents their progress to ensure that they are complying with their probation stipulations.

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

To thrive as a Probation Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice principles, case management, and often a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, electronic monitoring systems, and criminal records databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills help officers build rapport and manage challenging situations. These skills are crucial for effectively supervising offenders, ensuring public safety, and supporting rehabilitation.

What are some common challenges probation officers face when managing their caseloads?

Probation Officers often manage large and diverse caseloads, which can present challenges such as balancing administrative paperwork with fieldwork, ensuring compliance with court orders, and addressing the unique needs of each client. They may also encounter difficulties in motivating clients to make positive changes while maintaining public safety. Building strong relationships with clients, collaborating with law enforcement, and utilizing community resources are critical strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Probation Officer vs Parole Officer?

AspectProbation OfficerParole Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field; some positions require a master'sBachelor's degree; often requires experience in criminal justice; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, offices, courtsCommunity and correctional facilities, field visits
Employer & IndustryCourts, criminal justice agenciesCorrectional agencies, parole boards
Primary FocusSupervising offenders on probation, ensuring compliance with court ordersMonitoring parolees after release, ensuring reintegration and compliance

While both Probation Officers and Parole Officers supervise offenders within the criminal justice system, Probation Officers primarily oversee individuals on probation before or instead of incarceration, whereas Parole Officers supervise those released on parole after serving part of their sentence. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and involve community supervision, but their focus and timing within the criminal justice process differ.

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. They must also pass background checks, complete training, and often obtain certification or licensure depending on state requirements. Strong communication, assessment skills, and knowledge of the criminal justice system are essential.

What kind of schooling do you need to be a probation officer?

To become a probation officer, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, and candidates often need to complete training or certification specific to their jurisdiction. Strong communication, assessment skills, and knowledge of the legal system are also important.

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

The most popular types of Probation Officer jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Probation Officer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Probation Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Probation Officer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,071 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Contract Process Officer

LaSalle Corrections

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$19.44/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


LaSalle Corrections rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide services and assistance that will support an effective and efficient custody processing, detention stay, and safe release as determined by ICE, facility and field office leadership.
As appropriate, coordinate effectively with Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) personnel on Alternative to Detention (ATD) programs.
Conduct removal planning with detainees such as referrals and connections to resources in home country to support removals.
Assist in travel document collection.
Assist in travel, transportation, and repatriation planning.
Required Knowledge Skills/Abilities:
Ability to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
Ability to utilize telephonic interpreter/translation services to complete assigned duties if not fluent in a language the detainee understands.
Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.
Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) in order to develop positive rapport with patients, co-workers and other stakeholders.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web-based training and communications.
Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
Experience with managing data and data quality assurance.
Troubleshooting, creative problem solving and resourcefulness a must.
Ability to learn new things quickly and work in a team environment.
Ability to multitask, organize and prioritize assignments effectively without constant supervision.
Attention to detail and excellent time management skills required.
Education and Experience:
Degree issuing institution and or program must be accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Bachelor's degree preferred, in social work, social services, criminal justice, or equivalent.
At least two years of related experience (e.g., experience working with immigrants or foreign-born individuals or individuals in custody, parole, and/or probation).
Experience working in or with individuals in a confinement setting.
At least two years of experience providing services to vulnerable populations.
Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to satisfactorily perform these essential functions without causing an undue hardship for the employer.
Long periods of continuous standing and walking.
Frequent periods of sitting.
Repetitive climbing of stairs to reach the assigned areas and working at heights.
Occasional kneeling, squatting, and bending to perform "pat" or "strip" searches.
Frequent grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting.
Occasionally responding to altercations and occasional restraining and securing assaultive offenders.
Ability to respond rapidly to potential security and/or medical codes/issues.
Frequent transferring and transporting offenders by walking or riding in various vehicles such as vans, buses, and other forms of transportation.
Continuous periods of operating/driving company vehicles to pick up and transport offenders for 4 hours or more per shift.
Remaining awake and alert while on duty.
Occasional lifting and carrying.
Ability to occasionally withstand direct or indirect exposure to OC spray.
Exposure to outdoor elements and temperatures.
Pay: $19.44 per hour
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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