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Probation Service Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Judicial Branch

U.S. Probation Officer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$51K/yr

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 ...

US Judicial Branch

U.S. Probation Officer

Gulfport, MS · On-site

$59K/yr

The United States Probation Office for the Southern District of Mississippi is accepting applications for the position of United States Probation and Pretrial Services Officer. Officers are ...

Medina County, Ohio

$95K - $110K/yr

The Department of Probation Services is responsible for: * Pre-sentence, Intervention in Lieu of ... Probation Officer serves as the executive administrator of the probation department and is ...

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How much do probation service officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for probation service officer in the United States is $62,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probation service officer?

Probation Service Officers (PSOs) are professionals who supervise and support people serving community sentences or on probation after release from prison. They work with offenders to reduce the risk of reoffending by helping them address issues such as substance misuse, housing, or employment. PSOs assess risks, prepare reports for courts, and ensure compliance with probation conditions. Their work is crucial in protecting the public and aiding rehabilitation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a probation service officer?

To thrive as a Probation Service Officer, you need a good understanding of criminal justice, risk assessment, and case management, typically supported by relevant work experience or a degree in criminology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with probation management systems, risk assessment tools, and case recording software is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and effective communication help build trust with clients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for managing caseloads, supporting rehabilitation, and protecting the community.

What are some common challenges faced by probation service officers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Probation Service Officers often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, working with individuals exhibiting complex needs, and balancing rehabilitation goals with public safety. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and the ability to build rapport with clients are essential for managing these demands. Regular supervision sessions and collaborative work with colleagues from multidisciplinary teams also provide vital support in addressing challenging situations and making informed decisions.

What is the difference between Probation Service Officer vs Probation Officer?

AspectProbation Service OfficerProbation Officer
CredentialsRelevant degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field; often required certificationsSimilar educational background; certifications may vary by region
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, courts, probation officesCommunity-based, court-related, or correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, criminal justice systemSimilar employers, often within government or justice departments
Job FocusSupervising offenders, risk assessment, rehabilitationSupervising offenders, case management, compliance monitoring

Both roles involve supervising offenders and working within the criminal justice system. The main difference lies in job titles used by different regions or agencies, but their responsibilities, work environments, and required credentials are very similar.

Is a probation service officer a hard job?

A probation service officer's job can be challenging due to the need to manage complex cases, work with offenders, and ensure public safety. It requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and adherence to legal protocols, often involving irregular hours and high-pressure situations.

What classes do you need to become a probation service officer?

To become a probation service officer, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as in social work, criminology, psychology, or criminal justice. Some positions may require completing training programs or certifications related to probation work, along with skills in communication, assessment, and case management.

Where do probation service officers make the most money?

Probation Service Officers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with larger populations and higher living costs, such as urban areas or major cities. Salary levels can also vary based on experience, additional certifications, and the specific agency or jurisdiction they work for.

What states have the most Probation Service Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Probation Service Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Probation Service Officer jobs?

For Probation Service Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Probation Service Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Probation Service Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,965 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Probation Officer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Office of the Chief Judge/ Adult Probation Department-Cook County
See more jobs at Office of the Chief Judge/ Adult Probation Department-Cook Countyexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

                                           CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
                                             ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT
                                                         PROBATION OFFICER
                                               Job Title: Adult Probation Officer
                                                            Grade: PS1 - Entry
                                                        Starting Salary: $68,654
                                                   Reports to: Sworn Supervisor
                                                                        Union: AFSCME 3486
PROFILE:
Operating under the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Adult Probation Department administers a wide range of programs covering both standard and specialized probation supervision and pretrial and presentence services. Through its programs, the Adult Probation Department provides the court with pertinent information at many stages of the criminal justice process, enhances public safety, compensates victims of crime and holds offenders accountable while affording them opportunities to make positive changes in their lives. 
 
The majority of Adult Probation Department resources are dedicated to probation supervision, while residing in the community. Department probation officers assist individuals in complying with their conditions of supervision through guidance, surveillance and referrals to service providers for treatment, education and employment services.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Establish residency in the State of Illinois within 90 days of appointment. 
  • Possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college/university, preferably with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work or related social sciences.
  • Ability to master various computer systems utilized by Adult Probation Department.
  • Ability to pass a background check. 
  • A valid Illinois driver’s license and a good driving record, along with the availability of an insured motor vehicle.
  • Ability to collect and process urinalysis drug tests and oral DNA samples.
  • Ability to service clients in their homes and in the community, in accordance with department policy.
  • Ability to conduct a criminal background check, as determined by the Illinois State Police.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, at any location serviced by the courts and/or Probation Department.
  • Ability to perform a variety of tasks, often changing assignments on short notice.
  • Ability to establish priorities and a course of action for handling multiple tasks. 
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment within prescribed limits and complete miscellaneous projects and problem solving.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to complete all duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Possess the ability to complete field work, which may entail ability to get in and out of a car, climb stairs and walk moderate distances.
  • Possess the ability to complete and pass control tactics training.
  • Possess the ability to remain seated at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen. 
  • Possess the ability to intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies.
  • Possess the ability to perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.
  • Possess the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Possess the ability to travel to various sites to conduct and facilitate training.
  • Possess the ability to use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis; and
  • Possess the ability to work in-person 100% of the scheduled work week.

The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work.  They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
In addition to the application, qualified applicants should submit the following:
  • Letter of interest addressed to Chief Probation Officer Megan Volker, addressing work experience and the qualifications for this position.
  • Applicant’s current resume.
  • AOIC Eligibility Letter.
  • OSPS Eligibility Letter.
  • College Transcripts.
Only those candidates that have submitted all of the required documents will be considered. Please submit all required documents during application submission.
References to apply for AOIC Eligibility      
https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/4440b5b9-0de9-40ee-bbd5-a1f56698b6b3/Application_Instructions.pdf
Illinois Probation/Court Services Employment/Promotion Application
References to apply for OSPS Eligibility 
Pretrial Eligible Application | Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services
College transcripts can be emailed directly by the school to the compliance email address (compliance@ilosps.gov), or mailed in a sealed envelope to:
Office of Statewide Pretrial Services
850 East Madison Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62702
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook  County Employment Opportunities Page.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all screenings.  Application materials should be submitted by the close of business on Wednesday September 9, 2026.  Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.
     THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Interviews will begin September 2026 .
 

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY- OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE and ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

  1. Employee are required to establish and maintain residency with the State of Illinois within six(6) months of hire.
  2. The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.

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