Parole and Probation Officer

Posted on August 24, 2026. Closing date: September 20, 2026. Pay range: $41.38 - $52.78 hourly. This is a regular, represented, non-exempt position with the Department of Community Justice (DCJ).

About the role

As a Sworn Parole and Probation Officer (PPO) with Multnomah County's Department of Community Justice (DCJ), you will play a key role in creating a stronger, safer community by helping clients develop pro-social behaviors using core correctional practices. You’ll use cognitive interventions and behavioral practices to promote accountability and lasting behavior change. This dynamic position requires a commitment to genuine curiosity, continuous feedback, the ability to make arrests, and flexibility to work with others. You must be available to respond to situations or emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Selected applicants must successfully complete a 12-month trial service training period to evaluate their effectiveness in the position. View the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training list of Critical & Essential Tasks for a Parole and Probation Officer.

Multnomah County DCJ was one of the first to use EPICS case management and Evidence-Based Practices. Some examples of evidence-based practices we use include:

• Motivational Interviewing: Establish rapport with justice-involved individuals, enhance their motivation to succeed, and use positive and negative reinforcements to address issues.
• EPICS (Effective Practices in Community Supervision): Use a research-driven case management model focused on cognitive behavioral interventions to address the highest criminogenic risk domains.
• Effective Communication: Adapt communication styles for diverse audiences, prepare accurate reports for courts and stakeholders, and interact professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Investigation and Public Safety Work: Conduct field investigations, use crisis prevention and de-escalation skills, make arrests in accordance with departmental rules, and transport clients as necessary.
• Organization and Time Management: Prioritize workloads to meet strict deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, and develop innovative solutions for caseload management.

We encourage bilingual applicants to apply. Some positions require oral and written fluency in English and a second language.

Responsibilities

• Help clients develop pro-social behaviors using core correctional practices and cognitive interventions.
• Manage workload and schedule autonomously to meet client needs.
• Conduct field investigations and adhere to protocols to uncover complex facts.
• Use crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation skills to ensure community and client safety.
• Make decisions to arrest and coordinate arrests in accordance with departmental rules.
• Prepare accurate, well-written reports and documents for courts, treatment agencies, and stakeholders within tight timelines.
• Develop goals aligned with the county and department’s mission to increase community safety through positive change.
• Foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued.
• Build positive and sustainable relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and ensure quality service delivery through effective processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, administration of justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Six months of experience in responsible social counseling, case management, community corrections, law enforcement, or corrections, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., a two-year associate degree in a related field and two years and six months of listed experience, or no college and four years and six months of listed experience).
• Must be a United States citizen or in the process of finalizing U.S. citizenship (to be completed within 18 months of hire).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully pass a physical examination, including the ORPAT obstacle course as part of officer training.
• Must successfully pass a psychological evaluation.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation, including a review of criminal, civil, driving, military, educational, and employment history.
• Must be able to pass the certification requirements of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within eighteen months of hire. State statutes exclude individuals convicted of any mandatory disqualifying event as listed in OAR 259-008-0300.

Preferred Qualifications

• Social counseling experience, including case management, community supervision, or community corrections, and directing, motivating, and assessing clients.
• Law enforcement experience, including corrections.
• Current or recent (within 2.5 years) Parole/Probation Officer certification by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) pursuant to ORS 181.640. DPSST number must be provided, and a copy of certification must be attached.

Transferable skills from education, work experience (including military), or life experience relevant to this position are highly valued.

Benefits

Multnomah County is committed to maintaining an effective, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We value collaborative problem-solving and strive for continuous improvement. Learn more about our Workforce Equity Strategies Plan (WESP).

During disasters or emergencies, county employees may be reassigned to support critical community needs. For more information, visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.