Probation Officer or Probation Officer Trainee - Probation Department

About the role

This is the entry-level professional position in a probation department responsible for the control, supervision and care of adults and juveniles subject to probation supervision or intake services which requires them to meet certain standards of conduct. The incumbent uses sound professional judgment and applies investigative techniques to evaluate the conduct of those subject to court ordered investigation, analyze data and make recommendations regarding court dispositions. He/she also counsels and coaches probationers and others receiving probation services to change patterns of thinking and behavior to help promote and sustain a law-abiding relationship with society and reduce the likelihood of becoming re-involved in criminal or delinquent behavior. Depending upon individual needs and/or court orders, a Probation Officer may arrange for medical, mental health or substance treatment services. Supervision is not a characteristic of this position. The work is performed under the general supervision of a higher ranking probation professional. A Probation Officer is a Peace Officer pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Section 2.10 and may be authorized to carry a firearm in the performance of his/her duties. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.

Work hours and location

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Location: Cortland County Probation.

Salary

• Probation Officer: $27.0485-34.2364 per hour
• Probation Officer Trainee: $24.3834-30.8633 per hour (CSEA Union)

Benefits

• New York State Retirement System
• Low Deductible Health Insurance Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off Including 13 Paid Holidays
• Tuition Assistance Available After One Year
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Minimum qualifications - Probation Officer I

Open competitive. Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Satisfactory completion of a Probation Officer traineeship; OR
• Possession of a graduate degree in social work, social science, education, administration, law, criminal justice, or a related field; OR
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher with at least thirty (30) credit hours in the social or behavioral sciences and two (2) years of experience in counseling, law enforcement, juvenile or criminal justice, education, or case work in a probation, law enforcement, juvenile or criminal justice, corrections, community corrections, parole, social service, mental health, social work or other public or private human services agency.

Note: Course work at the graduate degree level in social work, social sciences, education, administration, law, criminal justice, or a related field may be substituted for work experience for a maximum of one (1) year of experience.

Minimum qualifications - Probation Officer I Trainee

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State board of Regents to grant degrees, with a Bachelor's degree or higher with at least thirty (30) credit hours in the social or behavioral sciences.

Note: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee.

Special requirements

• Where required, possession of a current driver's license or the ability to otherwise meet the transportation requirements of the position
• Pre-employment screenings required

Status

Competitive, provisional. Posted July 16, 2026. Open until filled.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.