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State Probation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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State Probation Officer information

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$31.5K

$63K

$99.5K

How much do state probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for state probation 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Probation Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Probation Officer, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice, case management, and investigative procedures, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with offender management systems, electronic monitoring tools, and required state certifications is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and effective communication help officers build rapport with clients and collaborate with law enforcement and community organizations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, successful offender rehabilitation, and compliance with legal standards.

What is the difference between State Probation Officer vs Probation Technician?

AspectState Probation OfficerProbation Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, sometimes a master's; relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervises offenders, conducts assessments, makes recommendationsAssists probation officers, maintains case files, supports supervision
Employer & Industry UsageState and local criminal justice agenciesProbation departments within criminal justice systems

While both roles are part of the probation system, State Probation Officers have more responsibilities, including offender supervision and decision-making, requiring higher education and certifications. Probation Technicians support officers with administrative tasks and have less formal education requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the probation field.

What are some common challenges faced by State Probation Officers, and how are they typically addressed?

State Probation Officers often encounter challenges such as managing heavy caseloads, working with individuals who may be resistant to change, and ensuring compliance with court-mandated conditions. These challenges are typically addressed through effective time management, continuous training in conflict resolution and communication, and leveraging support from colleagues and supervisors. Most agencies also provide access to counseling services and regular team meetings to discuss difficult cases, promoting a collaborative and supportive work environment.

What are State Probation Officers?

State Probation Officers are professionals responsible for supervising offenders who have been placed on probation instead of serving time in prison. They monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions, help rehabilitate offenders, and ensure public safety by providing guidance, resources, and regular check-ins. State Probation Officers also prepare reports for the court, conduct investigations, and may testify in court hearings. Their work involves collaboration with law enforcement, social service agencies, and community organizations to support offenders' successful reintegration into society.
More about State Probation Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for State Probation Officer jobs? Cities with the most State Probation Officer job openings:
What states have the most State Probation Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for State Probation Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various State Probation Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,965 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Adult Probation - Rousseau Centre - Probation Officer

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Department:  Circuit Court-Adult Probation                                                  FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification/Level:  UPROB                                                                       Date Last Reviewed:  12/2018

Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Officer assures proper probation enforcement for individual clients in Allen County including maintenance of detailed case proceedings, frequent monitoring of probation progress and resolution of problems with clients and their probation terms. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook.  This is an employee-at-will position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Responsible for conducting regular interviews with clients according to probation terms and/or risks and needs assessment schedule.
  • Evaluates clients’ progress toward completing terms of probation.   Reviews deficiencies and provides inquiries/difficulties as situations demand.
  • Completes special meetings with clients to review complaints and non-compliance with probation terms including disciplinary meetings with supervisors.  Appears in court to testify to probation violation allegations and takes appropriate actions including petitioning court to revoke or modify probation.
  • Responds to phone calls concerning clients including taking complaints, providing and requesting information, arranging for transportation and/or participation in treatment programs and related services and locating clients/victims when necessary.
  • Attends a variety of court proceedings including sentencings, modification, restitution and dispositional hearings and small claims court.  Testifies occasionally, attends regular staff meetings and confers individually with Supervisor as needed.
  • Composes a variety of letters, memos and legal documents including Court Petitions for early discharges, unsatisfactory discharges and hearings.  Assigns typing and other secretarial duties to support staff providing additional instruction when necessary.
  • Conducts monthly case load review, checking files to ensure minimum necessary contact with each client, verifying completeness of notes and related paperwork and discussing problems with Supervisor if needed.
  • Complies monthly statistics and forwards reports to Supervisor.
  • Assists Supervisor with conducting annual case load review and evaluation of performance, developing personal improvement plans as appropriate.  Closes out files/case periodically, reviewing all client documentation to assure proper completion of all probation terms.  Completes final documents and reports as required.
  • Completes special projects as requested including observing and evaluating treatment programs and administering department internship program.
  • Attends annual State Probation Officer Conference and completes other professional development workshops, training and education as required.
  • Responds to emergencies on 24-hour basis performing related duties as assigned and/or required by law.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services or related field Certified Indiana Probation Officer
  • Valid IRAS Certification
  • Working knowledge of all local, state and federal laws applicable to probation operations
  • Knowledge of treatment programs and services available to clients from government, social and private agencies

 

REQUIREMENTS (Continued):

  • Ability to effectively interview, investigate and work with clients
  • Ability to effectively resolve emergency/crisis situations
  • Ability to maintain complete and accurate professional files and prepare department reports and statistics
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all Department records and information
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software programs
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate with professional and non-professional co-workers, personnel and officials from the courts and other governmental agencies, crime victims and the general public

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Probation Officer works has very frequent interactions with hostile, aggressive and potentially violent adults and their families.  The Probation Officer must be able to move around freely with the ability to frequently sit, some lifting up to twenty pounds, frequent bending and some reaching over head and kneeling.  Very frequent typing including transcription and proofreading is required and frequent attention to detail, monitoring equipment and detailed inspection with some exposure to temperature extremes and noxious odors/fumes is required.

LICENSING:

Indiana Certified Probation Officer

Valid IRAS certification

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Chief Probation Officer

HOURS:

8:00 am – 4:30 pm and as needed with the ability to be on-call 24/7, 40 hours