Probation Officer

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout the New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on “what works,” staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation in an effort to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism

Probation Officers can be assigned to DOP offices throughout the five boroughs, and may be required to work shifts that span weekends/holidays/evenings/overnight, etc. General Probation Officers duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Making preliminary investigations of the defendants’ alleged crimes or offenses, covering such matters as the nature of the offense, the place and manner in which it was committed, the circumstances, and the statements of the complainant and defendant.
• Obtaining information on an offender’s legal, economic, and psycho-social history and background.
• Interpreting conditions of sentence to persons placed under probation supervision.
• Providing therapeutic counseling to probationers individually or in groups to assist them in dealing with problems such as alcoholic and narcotic addiction, psychiatric disorders, unemployment, and marital difficulties; supervises their progress
• Acting as liaison between the department and the courts.
• Securing and clarifying information, answers questions, prepares and submits written reports and recommendations, including revocation of probation if necessary.
• Keeping track of court cases in which the department is involved.
• Referring those on probation to social, governmental or community agencies which may assist in rehabilitation.
• Performing field work, which includes home visits to individuals under investigation or supervision; corresponding with and making collateral visits to friends, relatives, community agencies, employers, former employers, churches, schools, law enforcement agencies, and others for the purpose of monitoring adherence to the conditions of probation.
• Preparing and maintaining case records.
• Providing specialized services in research and demonstration projects.
• Providing intake service to determine the necessity for court intervention or adjusts matters without referral to court.
• May operate a computer to review materials and literature related to probation, and/or access caseload information, update casework information and prepare reports.
• May supervise probationers with more complex/sensitive cases and may assist in the supervision of volunteers.
• May be required to: perform violation of probation warrant investigations; make collateral field visits; enforce violation of probation warrants; execute warrants; perform “failure to report” investigations and requisite field visits; detain or take into custody probationers wanted by law enforcement agencies; assist the Office of General Counsel in the preparation of cases for the Violation of Probation process; and execute search orders.
• Operates a motor vehicle.
• Serves as department representative, as may be required.
• Receives instruction in the use of deadly physical force, firearms and other weapons.
• May be required to carry a firearm for certain assignments.

Provisional incumbents will be required to file and pass the upcoming civil service Probation Officer Exam in order to retain employment.

Application filing is scheduled to open June 2023.

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1. A graduate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in social work, education, law, sociology, psychology, criminology, rehabilitation counseling, counseling, guidance, or a closely related field; or
2. A Bachelor of Social Work degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and one year of satisfactory full-time experience in casework or counseling as described in (2) above; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and two years of satisfactory full-time experience in casework or counseling in a recognized social work/counseling setting adhering to acceptable professional standards in the field of probation, parole, social services, psychiatric social work, or a closely related field; or
4. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and one year of satisfactory, full-time experience in the field of probation providing services for assigned individuals in intake, investigation, supervision or enforcement; or
5. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1, 2, 3 or 4 above. However, all candidates must have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Graduate credits in the fields listed in 1 above may be substituted for up to one year of experience as described in 2 above on the basis of 30 college semester credits for one year of experience.In order for experience to be acceptable, at least 60% of your time must be spent performing duties which involve therapeutic interaction used to modify behavior. The experience must include at least one of the following areas: intake and developing and recording a psycho-social history; conducting an evaluative analysis or assessment; providing counseling or supportive supervision; developing and implementing a treatment plan; or providing referral and follow-up services. Such experience must have been gained after receipt of a baccalaureate degree. Experience as a tutor, clerical worker, peer counselor, leader/companion, recreational counselor, legal assistant, investigator, camp counselor, eligibility specialist or custodial supervisor is not acceptable.

• You must possess a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York at the time of appointment. If you have moving violations, a license suspension or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of you employment.
• You must satisfy the training requirements established by the State of New York for Peace Officers. Once obtained, this certification must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

Preferred Skills

• Understanding and experience working with high risk young people
• Capacity for creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, violence prevention
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Capacity to think and act intentionally and strategically to help young people change behaviors
• Creative problem-solving and thinking
• Self-motivation, initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ongoing learning
• Ability to work as a part of a team