How to hire a probation and parole officer

How to hire a probation and parole officer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step probation and parole officer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a probation and parole officer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new probation and parole officer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a probation and parole officer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The probation and parole officer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A probation and parole officer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, probation and parole officers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of probation and parole officer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Probation And Parole Officer	Description	Hourly rate
   Probation And Parole Officer	Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists monitor and work with probationers to prevent them from committing new crimes.	$14-33
   Juvenile Probation Officer	A juvenile probation officer is in charge of managing and supervising cases of youth offenders who are under parole or probation. Their responsibilities typically revolve around monitoring the youth offenders' activities by conducting regular visits and interviews, recommending rehabilitation plans, testifying in court as needed, and coordinating with external parties such as schools, social services, and law enforcement agencies... Show more	$14-34
   Adult Probation Officer	An adult probation officer works with offenders, monitoring their behavior and activities to prevent them from committing crimes. Part of their job is to evaluate the offenders' criminal history and overall profile to determine and develop rehabilitation and treatment plans, arrange suitable programs or refer them to other services, coordinate with the offender's family and friends, and facilitate regular drug tests and other examinations... Show more	$14-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Social Work
   • Criminal Justice
   • Rehabilitation
   • Mental Health
   • Community Resources
   • Field Supervision
   • Violation Reports
   • Public Safety
   • Domestic Violence
   • Law Enforcement Agencies
   • Sex Offenders
   • Parole
   • Drug Tests
   • Substance Abuse Treatment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Interview probationers/parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining terms specify in their rehabilitation plans while maintaining documentation.
   • Monitor violent offenders place on both active and passive GPS restrictions throughout all of Delaware.
   • Utilize GPS tracking and alcohol monitoring devices to monitor offender compliance.
   • Develop and implement extensive case management plans to continue the rehabilitation process and work towards successful completion of probation.
   • Interview probationers/parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining terms specify in their rehabilitation plans while maintaining documentation.
   • Conduct DNA, drug, and alcohol testing on offenders and take appropriate action when tests results are positive.

   More probation and parole officer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your probation and parole officer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A probation and parole officer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, probation and parole officers' average salary in missouri is 52% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level probation and parole officers 57% less than senior-level probation and parole officers.
   • Certifications. A probation and parole officer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a probation and parole officer's salary.

   Average probation and parole officer salary

   $46,271yearly

   $22.25 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level probation and parole officer salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average probation and parole officer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	North Dakota	$52,478	$25
   2	Iowa	$51,334	$25
   3	Minnesota	$51,142	$25
   4	Louisiana	$49,660	$24
   5	Michigan	$46,579	$22
   6	Wyoming	$46,416	$22
   7	Idaho	$45,746	$22
   8	Texas	$40,087	$19
   9	Kentucky	$39,787	$19
   10	Oklahoma	$39,769	$19
   11	North Carolina	$39,539	$19
   12	South Carolina	$36,772	$18
   13	Montana	$35,563	$17
   14	Arkansas	$34,942	$17

   Average probation and parole officer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	State of North Dakota	$53,007	$25.48	4
   2	Hennepin County Library	$50,958	$24.50	2
   3	Lane County Engineer	$50,902	$24.47
   4	Iowa Department of Transportation	$48,389	$23.26
   5	North Carolina Department of Public Safety	$45,501	$21.88
   6	State Bar of Michigan	$44,625	$21.45	4
   7	Texas Department of Transportation	$44,301	$21.30	12
   8	State of West Virginia	$43,557	$20.94	10
   9	State Of Idaho	$39,732	$19.10	8
   10	NC.gov	$39,316	$18.90	71
   11	Wyoming	$39,225	$18.86	15
   12	State Of Montana	$37,247	$17.91	7
   13	State of Georgia: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia	$36,949	$17.76	42

4. Writing a probation and parole officer job description

   A probation and parole officer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a probation and parole officer job description:

   Probation and parole officer job description example

   The Mission of the Idaho Department of Correction is to create a model correctional system that provides equitable access to programming and opportunities that reflect a community experience, foster connections, and restore victims of crime.
   
   Probation and Parole Officer, Seniors employ a balance of principles related to counseling, case management, and law enforcement to ensure the safety of our communities and offenders who are on adult felony probation and parole. Trained in the principles of evidence-based practices, Probation and Parole Officers build rapport with offenders and utilize community resources to assist offenders in moving toward long-term behavioral change.
   
   The Idaho Department of Correction has an opening for a Probation & Parole Officer, Senior at District 7 Probation and Parole in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This announcement will be used to fill PO, Senior vacancies within the next six (6) months. If you wish to be considered for the current vacancy you must apply under this announcement. Previous scores will not be used. Hiring lists for full-time or part-time positions may be created from open competitive, IDOC Department Promotional and/or Statewide promotional applicants.
   
   Selected candidates must complete Idaho POST Academy and will be required to qualify and carry a firearm. Work may require daily travel within a geographic area of the state and irregular work schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
   BENEFITS:
   
   * Excellent low-cost Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
   * Participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems PERSI Retirement
   * Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
   * Eleven paid holidays a year
   * Multiple savings plans, including an optional 401k & Deferred Compensation plans
   * Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance
   * Employee Assistance Program
   * Wellness Program
   * Benefits Summary (Download PDF reader)
   
   Physical Requirements: Applicants must score at least the following minimums on each of the five events:
   
   * Vertical Jump: 14.0+ inches
   * 1-Minute Sit-ups: 15+ repetitions
   * Maximum Push-ups: 21+ repetitions
   * 300-Meter Run: <77.0 seconds
   * 1.5-Mile Run/Walk: <17 min: 17 seconds.
   
   You can view the full physical readiness test here.
   
   If contacted for an interview, you may be asked to submit a background investigation questionnaire prior to the interview.
   
   * Counsel adult clients under the sentence of probation or parole in dealing with a variety of problems including drug and alcohol abuse, financial, marriage, employment, education, and legal problems.
   * Design and implement case plans for clients and monitor progress.
   * Facilitate and co-facilitate groups in areas such as employment, drug abuse, relationships and finances.
   * Write violation, post-sentencing, pre-sentence investigation and court reports, and modification orders.
   * Investigate behaviors, law violations, transfers, employment status, and residence of clients.
   * Arrest probationers or parolees, conduct searches of persons and property, and secure evidence.
   * Make home visits and employment and community contacts with treatment providers and members of the criminal justice system.
   * Some knowledge of the fundamentals of behavioral science
   * Some knowledge of criminal justice
   * Some knowledge of identifying social or human science resources to fit the needs of clients
   * Some knowledge of computer operations to include entering, retrieving and storing data
   * Experience writing detailed reports.
   * Valid Driver's License
   * Willingness to: work with individuals with criminal backgrounds and anti-social behaviors; review graphic materials, ability to remain objective when dealing with clients; purchase a cell phone that can be used for work (monthly cell phone allowance will be provided).
   * Meet entrance requirements as established by POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) for Probation and Parole Officers.
   
   If contacted for an interview, you will be required to submit a completed background questionnaire. Interviews will not be conducted if you fail to provide background questionnaire at the time of interview.
   
   Download the background investigation questionnaire here.
   
   DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
   
   * Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree (any field)
   * Experience dealing with individuals from varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in stressful situations which dealt with personal, sensitive, or confidential information
   
   HIRING INFORMATION:
   
   To be hired, candidates will have a history and background supportive of department's goals and hiring will be subject to:
   
   * Completing a Background Investigation Questionnaire and pre-employment drug test
   * Having a federal and state criminal background check to include fingerprints
   * Having a history of law-abiding behavior
   * Felonies, misdemeanors, illegal drug usage, DUIs, adverse driving convictions and adverse employment history may make you ineligible for employment.
   * Having close friends or relatives under IDOC care & custody may also make you ineligible for employment
   
   Non-hiring restrictions are in place for candidates who:
   
   * Have been convicted of Domestic Violence or similar types of violent behaviors
   * Have an "other than honorable", bad conduct or dishonorable discharge from military service
   * Currently are using, dealing or are associated with illegal drugs
   * Have close friends or relatives under IDOC care & custody where the vacancy exists
   * Are currently under IDOC supervision or probation (must be released from IDOC supervision or probation for at least one year
   
   Thank you for your interest in employment with Idaho Department of Correction!
   
   NOTICE:
   
   At the discretion of the appointing authority, compensatory time off may be provided in lieu of overtime cash compensation. Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. If you need special accommodations to satisfy testing requirements, please contact the Division of Human Resources.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right probation and parole officer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your probation and parole officer job on Zippia to find and recruit probation and parole officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting probation and parole officers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new probation and parole officer

   Once you've found the probation and parole officer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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