Use this Probation Officer job description template to attract qualified criminal justice professionals who can supervise offenders, ensure compliance with court orders, and support rehabilitation efforts.
A Probation Officer is a criminal justice professional responsible for supervising individuals placed on probation by the court. They monitor compliance with legal conditions, assess risks, provide guidance, and support rehabilitation while protecting public safety.
A Probation Officer works with offenders to ensure court-ordered conditions are followed while promoting rehabilitation and accountability. Their key responsibilities include:
- Supervising probationers and monitoring compliance with court conditions.
- Conducting risk assessments and case evaluations.
- Preparing court reports and recommendations.
- Providing counseling, referrals, and support services.
- Enforcing probation conditions and responding to violations.
Probation Officer Job Description Template
We are seeking a dedicated and responsible Probation Officer to supervise individuals on probation and support their rehabilitation into society. The ideal candidate will have strong communication, judgment, and case management skills, along with the ability to balance enforcement with guidance. If you are committed to public safety and offender rehabilitation, we’d love to hear from you.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Supervise individuals placed on probation and ensure compliance with court orders.
- Conduct interviews, home visits, and workplace checks as required.
- Assess offender risks, needs, and progress.
- Prepare detailed reports for court hearings and judicial review.
- Enforce probation conditions and initiate violation proceedings when necessary.
- Refer probationers to counseling, employment, education, or treatment programs.
- Maintain accurate case files and documentation.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, courts, and social service agencies.
- Test for substance abuse and monitor compliance with treatment programs.
- Promote rehabilitation while ensuring community safety.
Requirements & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
- Proven experience in probation, corrections, or law enforcement (preferred).
- Strong knowledge of criminal justice procedures and legal requirements.
- Excellent communication, interviewing, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage high caseloads and make sound decisions.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience.
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork and work flexible hours.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
Who do Probation Officers report to?
Probation Officers typically report to:
- Probation Supervisor
- Chief Probation Officer
- Court Administrator
- Director of Community Corrections
Post this on job boards and career pages to find candidates skilled in case management, risk assessment, and offender supervision. Feel free to customize duties and requirements based on your jurisdiction’s needs. Similar job titles include Community Corrections Officer, Parole Officer, and Juvenile Probation Officer.
How to Assess Probation Officer Skills Effectively
Candidates may list criminal justice or corrections experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to supervise offenders, enforce court orders, and support rehabilitation before the interview is crucial. A structured Probation Officer assessment ensures you hire professionals who can balance public safety, compliance, and rehabilitation responsibilities effectively.
Here’s how you can assess Probation Officer proficiency effectively with WeCP:
- Case Management & Documentation – Test candidates on their ability to manage caseloads, maintain accurate records, and prepare court reports.
- Risk Assessment & Decision-Making – Evaluate their capability to assess offender risk levels, identify violations, and take appropriate corrective actions.
- Legal Knowledge & Compliance – Assess their understanding of court orders, probation conditions, criminal justice procedures, and legal requirements.
- Communication & Counseling Skills – Check their ability to interview clients, provide guidance, and communicate clearly with courts, law enforcement, and social services.
- Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management – Ensure they can de-escalate tense situations, handle non-compliance professionally, and respond effectively in emergencies.
With WeCP’s Probation Officer assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, reduce hiring risks, and ensure you bring on professionals who can protect public safety while supporting offender accountability and rehabilitation.
