Probation Officer -Jefferson County (Family Court)

Target close date: 08/28/2026. Full-time position, Pay Grade 21.

About the role

Jefferson County is seeking well-qualified and motivated Probation Officers for its Family Court Department. Probation Officers supervise juvenile offenders who have been assigned court-ordered supervision. Work occurs in various settings including detention centers, offices, courtrooms, schools, and clients’ residences.

Responsibilities

• Performs day-to-day administrative tasks such as documentation, maintaining information files, and processing paperwork.
• Completes intake procedures for new juvenile cases by interviewing involved parties, conducting social interviews, and completing risk assessments.
• Engages in professional development activities to stay current with developments in the field, relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and guidelines.
• Supervises juveniles by maintaining contact, gathering updated case information, performing home/site visits, and communicating with various departments/agencies to ensure compliance with court orders.
• Serves court summons and petitions to juveniles to notify them of court dates.
• Answers questions from juveniles and custodians regarding probation terms, conditions, and court procedures.
• Monitors restitution payments/balances to process appropriate non-payment paperwork or close cases after full payment.
• Maintains current license, certification, and/or registration by completing continuing education credit units (CEUs).
• Collaborates with other professionals (e.g., mental health professionals, attorneys, case managers, judges, school officials) to discuss case management strategies.
• Refers juveniles to agencies, services, and community resources to assist with court orders and program compliance.
• Testifies in court on behalf of probationers and prepares various forms of paperwork (e.g., court reports, social history, risk assessments).

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by one of the following regional accrediting agencies:
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Aged 21 or older.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving force, violence, or immorality.
• Willing to submit to a criminal background check.
• Willing to submit to an Alabama Abuse and Neglect check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, social and behavioral sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution (same accrediting agencies as above).
• Experience working with families and children.
• Experience working with mental health and/or substance abuse.

Physical Demands

Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.

Work Environment

Work is conducted indoors in office and courtroom settings, as well as in the field (e.g., schools, clients' residences). Involves use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers.

Pay

$52,624 - $81,640 per year.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance.
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension).
• Generous paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation leave.