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Probation Parole Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Probation Parole Officer 1, you will be a direct service provider with clients. You will play an essential role in eliciting and supporting pro-social behaviors, with a focus on programming that ...

Probation Parole information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$55.4K

$79.4K

How much do probation parole jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation parole in Iowa is $55,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probation parole officer?

Probation and parole officers are professionals who supervise individuals who have been convicted of crimes but are serving their sentences outside of jail or prison. Probation officers typically work with offenders sentenced to probation instead of incarceration, while parole officers supervise those who have been released from prison on parole. Their main responsibilities include monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions, helping clients access resources like counseling or job training, and reporting progress or violations to the courts. These officers play a critical role in supporting rehabilitation and protecting public safety.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a probation parole officer?

To thrive as a Probation Parole Officer, you need a background in criminal justice or social work, knowledge of legal procedures, and often a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with case management software, risk assessment tools, and electronic monitoring systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience help build trust with clients and manage challenging situations. These skills are crucial for effectively supervising offenders, ensuring community safety, and supporting successful rehabilitation.

What challenges do probation parole officers face and how can they manage them?

Probation and parole officers often face challenges such as heavy caseloads, managing individuals with complex needs, and balancing enforcement with support. New hires can effectively manage these challenges by building strong communication skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and utilizing available resources like community programs. Staying organized and regularly participating in training can also help officers stay updated on best practices and policy changes, ensuring both public safety and client success.

How to become a probation and parole officer?

To become a probation and parole officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Applicants must pass background checks, complete training at a state or federal training academy, and often obtain relevant certifications or licenses depending on the jurisdiction. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and knowledge of the criminal justice system are essential for the role.

Is probation parole a good job?

Probation and parole officers play a key role in supervising offenders and supporting their rehabilitation, often requiring strong communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. The job can be rewarding for those interested in criminal justice and social work, but it also involves high stress, safety risks, and irregular hours. Compensation and job stability vary by location and agency, and specialized training or certifications are typically required.

What are popular job titles related to Probation Parole jobs in Iowa?

For Probation Parole jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Probation Parole jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Probation Parole jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Probation Parole job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,429 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Probation/Parole Officer 1

State of Iowa

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

$51K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community. Do you thrive in dynamic and demanding situations. If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to become a key player in preparing clients for successful reentry into society as a Probation Parole Officer 1 at the Iowa Department of Corrections.

Hours: This is a variable schedule position. The hours are generally Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m

Eventually this position will require rotating weekend mornings (estimated 1 weekend per month) to cover pretrial interview requirements for Saturday and Sunday coverage. Weekend duties will rotate with other pretrial staff with weekend hours starting when this part of the program is operational (anticipated in 1-2 years). As a Probation Parole Officer 1, you will be a direct service provider with clients.

You will play an essential role in eliciting and supporting pro-social behaviors, with a focus on programming that fosters personal growth and reduces the risk of reoffending. We value initiative and independent judgment, and you will be part of a cohesive multidisciplinary team, working collaboratively to observe and assess client behaviors and interactions. Your exceptional communication skills and ability to build quality relationships with clients will be essential in driving positive change.

You'll be trained to employ effective behavior change techniques, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral strategies, to facilitate lasting transformation. Your dedication to client welfare extends to supporting case managers and clients in achieving their goals, considering individual needs, disabilities, trauma, and cultural responsiveness. Safety is paramount, and you will be prepared to respond to emergencies using appropriate defensive tactics and life-saving measures.

We value integrity, ethical conduct, and attention to detail in all aspects of our work, and we invite you to become an integral part of our team dedicated to transforming lives and promoting community safety. What We Offer We have a competitive total compensation and benefit package for all our full-time employees, including: Annual salary ranging from $50,960.00 to $76,190.40, depending on experience Paid time off including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave hours that you can accrue Excellent Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Package IPERS Retirement package and option for deferred compensation Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) Free Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programs Employee Discount Programs If you're ready to take on this fulfilling and impactful role, apply now and join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve. E-Verify and Right to WorkThe State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in any field. A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience in a human services or criminal justice field, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes 18 months of full-time work as a Residential Officer.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939