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State Probation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ptoiad

Probation - Probation Officer

Tacoma, WA

Probation Officers assist in the administration of justice and promotes community safety. This ... Initiate contact and maintain the Tribe's best interest when meeting with State, County, Tribal and ...

ptoiad

Probation - Probation Officer

Tacoma, WA

Probation Officers assist in the administration of justice and promotes community safety. This ... Initiate contact and maintain the Tribe's best interest when meeting with State, County, Tribal and ...

City of New York

Probation Officer Trainee

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

The Probation Officer Trainees under close supervision, receive a course of training and performs ... License Requirement A motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license ...

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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:
What job categories do people searching State Probation Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for State Probation Officer jobs are:
State Probation Officer jobs near you
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.
Probation Officer

Probation Officer

Circuit Court of Cook County

Chicago, IL • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY
ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT
PROBATION OFFICER
Job Title: Adult Probation Officer
Grade: PS1 - Entry
Starting Salary: $67,308
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/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/ OSPS 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
OSPS
Pretrial Eligible Application | Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services
College transcripts can be emailed directly by the school to the compliance email address ([email protected]), 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 Friday, June 5, 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 June 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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