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Probation Officer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Parole Probation Officer-E (9-P11)

Lansing, MI · On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Parole/Probation Officer 10 One year of professional experience working with adult offenders equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer 9. Parole/Probation Officer P11 Two years of professional ...

Temporary Probation Services Technician

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1

$49K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Probation Officer, the employee assists with the investigation and supervision of persons charged with and convicted of committing federal crimes by providing a wide range of technical and ...

S. Probation / Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and assist in the fair administration of justice. Incumbents promote community safety, gather information ...

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Probation Officer information

See Michigan salary details

$27.5K

$54.9K

$86.7K

How much do probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation officer in Michigan is $54,880.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $64,900.00 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 Michigan?

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Probation Officer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Probation Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Probation Officer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,880 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

This is an employment position under the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) Judiciary and subject to GTB Tribal Court personnel policies. This position may include a flexible schedule and partial remote work as allowed under GTB Tribal Court personnel policies.

SUMMARY This is a full-time Probation Officer position. Expectation is onsite hours with emphasis on home visits both during and after normal business hours. The Probation Officer will assist the probation department in activities that relate to juvenile and adult offenders in the court system, both on bond and on probation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Legal, Paralegal, Business, Administrative Services, Social Work/Services, Social Science, Sociology, Psychology, Liberal Arts or similar degrees may be considered. * A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
  • General knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, policies, procedures and administration is required.
  • Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Be familiar with the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Grand Traverse Band, to include, but not limited to, the GTB Court Rules, GTB Code and GTB Constitution.
  • Observe and comply with all GTB and Court policies regarding confidentiality.
  • Must be familiar with State, Local, Federal and Tribal Laws.
  • Must be able to work with other tribal, local, state, federal or private agencies of other jurisdictions.
  • Work closely with outside agencies (LE, Protective Service, FIA, and schools), courts (state and local), outside Attorneys and law firms and tribal programs who provide services for our clients.
  • Investigation and preparation of dispositional and/or sentencing recommendations to Tribal Court of all cases involving child and adult offenders. These Recommendations will incorporate the rehabilitation and the community justice plan. Pre-Sentence investigation (PSI) reporting for sentencing hearings. Pre-Disposition Reporting (PDR) for disposition hearings.
  • Performing background checks for Bond, Sentencing, Disposition.
  • Provide support, preventive and supervisory services to all individuals placed on bond and/or probation.
  • Monitoring and supervision of compliance with dispositional and/or sentencing orders of the court, which includes, but is not limited to, preparation of pre-sentence investigation reports, motions, and other documents.
  • Monitoring and supervision of compliance with bond orders of the court, which includes, but is not limited to, preparation and filing of memos to notify the Court and Prosecutor of compliance / non-compliance of Bond Clients.
  • Schedule case review hearings for child and adult offenders, which includes advising the court of compliance or non-compliance of the court order.
  • Maintain Bond and Probation Case Files with adequate case management notes; proper filing of court documents, notice of hearings and orders; keep the Court's computer management system (CMS) updated with bond and probation related case management information; document all case activity and pertinent case information in both the electronic and paper case files.
  • Inform offenders and their families about the cost, constraints and responsibilities of maintaining electronic monitoring equipment. Provide installation services in the offender's home, communicate with the agency and assist law enforcement in monitoring the actions of the offender.
  • Add, update and/or adjust financial ledgers of clients into the Court's computer management system (CMS) to include court ordered fines, costs, fees, etc. Entering invoices for House Arrest, Smart Start, Jail, & Domestic Violence Counseling.
  • Provide okay to pay to relevant court program directors as to approved and correct court ordered fines, fees, costs eligible to be paid by a grant and ensure same is adjusted out of the client's ledger.
  • Obtain and maintain certifications for JWIN NCIC background checks and as backup Tribal Access Program (TAP) Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC).
  • Obtain and maintain certifications for Michigan State Police (MSP) Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN).
  • Must become certified in drug test specimen collections and chain of custody requirements and administer same to court bond/probation clients; become certified to administer Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) to bond/probation clients.
  • Set up training courses between the companies Tribal Court contracts with and court staff.
  • Train new Probation staff.
  • Maintain statistics for Grant reporting.
  • Managing Court Hearings, probation meetings and training opportunities.
  • Looking for new ways to improve probation practices, for self and for staff.
  • Setting up multidisciplinary meetings when necessary to help support clients.
  • Provide supervision and transportation of offenders to non-secure detention, secure detention and/or treatment facilities.
  • Provide effective community service opportunities and monitoring for clients who are required to perform community service.
  • Training - Specific training or equivalent of – Basic Interviewing/Counseling Techniques, Self Defense Tactics, Blood Pathogens, Tribal Probation Academy and all other training/programs as deemed administratively necessary for the position and as required by the Court and/or GTB. Attend training to improved skills necessary for job duties.
  • Development and maintenance of bond and probation court forms in compliance with tribal statutes, ordinances, codes, etc. and as approved by the Judiciary.
  • Receive, receipt, record and deposit fees, fines, court costs, reimbursement, restitution and all other monies and/or property utilizing tribal accounting procedures.
  • Attend pertinent bond and probation court hearings; Request subsequent hearings as needed.
  • Collaborate as a team to help create new programs that the court may use.
  • Attend meetings and give input on how to help the court and its programs run smoothly.
  • Responsible for tracking incarcerated individuals and ensuring the resulting incarceration/medical costs are updated in the Court's CMS.
  • Assist the Bailiff on transporting prisoners to and from the court room as needed.
  • Assist in answering daily incoming calls, forwarding calls, and directing visitors, GTB clients, and guests to appropriate personnel/departments.
  • Assist in processing of incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Performance of light clerking duties may be required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or judiciary.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must meet requirements to fulfill position of Probation Officer (may include running, lifting, conducting home/school visits/searches, restraint, etc.).
  • Work requires computer literacy, especially in Windows, Word, Excel and specialized Court Software.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Common sense and good people skills are critical to this position.
  • Ability to analyze situations and apply logical and rational thinking to make a decision or choose a course of action; drawing on previous experience and skill as the basis for decision-making.
  • Ability to deal with people in intense situations, confront and resolve conflicts that disrupt work flow or interpersonal relationships.
  • General proficiency in computers as detailed in the additional functions and tasks section of this document.
  • General proficiency in 10-key and other office equipment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect as demonstrated in the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
  • Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
  • Ability to read and write legibly.
  • Be on-call 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
  • Entering Full Court Grant payments
  • Acceptable background and employment history investigation results.
  • Current driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Legal, Paralegal, Business, Administrative Services, Social Work/Services, Social Science, Sociology, Psychology, Liberal Arts or similar degrees may be considered. * A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
  • General knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, policies, procedures and administration is required.
  • Ethical standards of the position must be adhered to.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have a valid unrestricted driver's license (no DUIL or OWI) and be insurable with GTB's insurance carrier.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

  • General office equipment including calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone, printer systems. In addition, digital camera, court car camera, drug testing equipment and supplies and PBT machine.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting up to fifty pounds. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, copiers, etc. Ability to operate an automobile in the course of assigned duties.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Will routinely be involved in conflict resolution, problem solving, mediation, and discussions with all levels of the organization. Required to be other centered and resolution focused. Must set aside personal considerations and render objective findings and resolutions in often complex human circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Deadlines are involved, so there is constant time pressure. Reliable transportation for local travel to various properties in a forty-mile radius is involved, as well as out of town, overnight travel on occasion is required. Although primarily an 8-5 job, one must be flexible and willing to work the occasional evening, weekend, or holiday. A good deal of work is performed in an office environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work is in the community and other agencies. Must be willing to travel and provide transportation services to clients.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.


This position is subject to IC3 Background Investigation, Drug Screen and Driving Record/Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).