Probation Officer I

About the role

Join our diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. As a Probation Officer I, you will work in a fast-paced environment monitoring compliance with court orders and providing customer service to people involved in the criminal justice system. Our department promotes accountability and positive behavior change through a strengths-based and evidence-informed approach to probation supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clients under probation supervision, ensuring court requirements are met such as reporting, adherence to court orders, and coordinating treatment program changes.
• Motivate and manage clients’ probation periods using a continuum of sanctions and incentives while adhering to best practices.
• Conduct initial risk/needs assessments to evaluate criminogenic needs and risk severity.
• Interview clients to gather information on employment, economic status, education, social, criminal, and emotional history to make appropriate referrals.
• Employ motivational interviewing to identify criminogenic needs, using trauma-informed and culturally competent practices.
• Develop and implement case plans with clients to establish pro-social behavior and repair harm caused to the community and victims.
• Provide social services referrals and determine needs for behavioral, medical, and/or psychological services; offer guidance and crisis intervention.
• Monitor individual progress and engagement with services.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to review and interpret monitored sobriety results, establishing and implementing treatment goals.
• Prepare pre-sentence investigation reports, court motions, special reports, and probation reviews.
• Generate and serve probation revocation petitions; testify in court by providing testimony and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Conduct field interactions to evaluate compliance with probation terms and court orders; verify client addresses and assess needs for assistance with necessities.
• Work as a Probation Court Representative (PCR) on a rotating basis, coordinating the revocation docket, gathering cases, ensuring documentation accuracy, and providing feedback.
• Perform Officer of the Day duties according to department policies and procedures.
• Be comfortable working with indigent, unhoused, immigrant, and other marginalized groups in a mostly office-based, administrative role with community engagement opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Corrections, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• One (1) year of relevant experience may substitute for each required year of post-high school education.
• Valid Driver’s License at the time of application.
• Possession of Impaired Driving Assessment (IDA) Certification from the State of Colorado by the completion of probation.
• Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and accountability in daily work.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply training with accuracy.
• Prepare professional documentation using proper grammar, structure, and tone.
• Interpret and apply policies and procedures to routine and complex cases.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and conversation.
• Manage time effectively, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a high-volume setting.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries while working with clients who may have complex needs.
• Show compassion and patience while being assertive and directive when needed.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and external stakeholders.
• Desire to build a long-term career and grow within the Probation Department.

Skills

• High level of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and strong ethical standards.
• Trainable, highly organized, and able to maintain clear professional boundaries while building rapport and trust.
• Ability to balance empathy with firmness, follow policy and procedure, and treat individuals with fairness, respect, and cultural understanding.
• Bilingual candidates (especially Spanish-speaking and reading) are encouraged to apply.

About the Team

The Probation Division supervises approximately 2,500 cases assigned to 39 Probation Officers across different units:

• DUI/DWAI Unit: Supervises first-time and repeat DUI/DWAI offenses, including DUID offenses.
• DV/FV/Special Crimes Unit: Supervises domestic violence, family violence, child abuse, theft, and assault offenses, often requiring a higher level of supervision.
• Sobriety Court: An intensive program for habitual DUI offenders, established in 2011, offering a lesser jail sentence for voluntary participation.
• Sex Offender Management Unit: Officers receive specialized training to supervise individuals on probation for sex offenses.
• Mental Health Unit: Intensive supervision for individuals diagnosed with serious mental health conditions impacting probation compliance.
• PSI Unit: Conducts pre-sentence investigations to assist the Court in sentencing decisions.
• Home Visit Unit: Connects with clients in the community and conducts site visits.

The Denver County Court adjudicates state, civil, small claims, traffic, criminal, and general sessions matters within the City and County of Denver. The court is committed to administering justice fairly, efficiently, and effectively while fostering a positive work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay: New hires typically start between $25.30 - $31.63/hour.
• Guaranteed life-long monthly pension after 5 years of service.
• 457B Retirement Plan.
• 132 hours of PTO earned within the first year.
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 personal holiday and 8 hours of Denver Good Deeds volunteer time.
• Education Refund Program (ERP) to support continued learning and career growth.
• Care Bank: 8 weeks of Paid Family Leave (after probation).
• Free RTD Eco Pass.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date.

Pay

Target pay range: $25.30 - $31.63/hour, based on experience and education. Full range: $25.30 - $37.96/hour.

Schedule

Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Officers’ schedules may vary between 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Free parking is not available for employees.

Location

The Probation Division is located in the Minoru Yasui Building at 303 W Colfax Ave, 8th floor, Denver, CO 80204.