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State Probation Officer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Parole Probation Officer-E (9-P11)

Lansing, MI · On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

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  • Retirement

  • PTO

Parole/Probation Officer 10 One year of professional experience working with adult offenders ... Employment in the state classified service demands a high degree of loyalty and imposes high ...

U.S. Probation / Pretrial Services Officers serve in a judiciary law enforcement capacity and ... Regardless of applicable state laws, marijuana remains a prohibited substance under federal law and ...

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State Probation Officer information

See Michigan salary details

$27.5K

$54.9K

$86.7K

How much do state probation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for state 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 state probation officer?

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.

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

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 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 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.

How much do state probation officers make?

State probation officers in Tennessee typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience and location. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized training, and years of service, and the role often requires knowledge of criminal justice procedures and case management skills.

Which state pays state probation officers the most?

Among U.S. states, California tends to offer the highest average salaries for probation officers, often exceeding $70,000 annually. Salary levels can vary based on experience, location within the state, and agency funding, but overall, California is known for higher compensation in this role.

What are popular job titles related to State Probation Officer jobs in Michigan?

For State Probation Officer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for State Probation Officer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most State Probation Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various State Probation Officer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,880 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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).