Does anyone know how to become a Probation Officer?

Question

i live in san jose, ca.

Answer 1

In my county, you can become a juvenile hall counselor or a probation assistant with a 2-year degree, but you have to have a 4-year degree in a related field to be a Deputy Probation Officer.  The degree can be in sociology, criminal justice, admin of justice, social work, etc... anything in the human services or CJ area will work.

Here's what I recommend to people in my area.  Get the two-year degree and, while you're in school, try to find part-time or intern-level work in a local group home or Drug and Alochol treatment center... anything that might a) give you some experience working with kids on probation, and b) allow you to network a little with some juvenile deputy probation officers.   Once you have that two-year degree, you can get a job as a juvenile hall counselor or probation assistant.  Do that while you're completing your last two years of college... then promote to Probation Officer.

Our department likes to hire from within... so your best bet is to start as a JH counselor and work your way up through the probation ranks to PO.   By working in JH, your work is visible... which makes you more hireable.

Answer 2

I know you need a bachelor's degree and you have to be at least 21 years old. You could also call your local county jail and get the names of some probation officers - then call one of them! Also call the judges that handle juveniles and find out the requirements for a probation officer that handles juvenile cases. A friend of mine did that and it helped her alot. Good luck!  

Answer 3

Need to get a two degree at least.

Answer 4

Hello Oli. I can answer for the state of Ohio, but most others are quite similar if not the same in qualfications.

You would need an Associate's Degree ( preferably in Criminal Justice, but any law related will work), be at least 21 at time of application, have a valid driver's license, have no legal restrictions against carrying a firearm and be in a good enough physical condition to get through the Academy.

Depending on where you apply at, you would be dealing with juveniles in county probation and adults through the Adult Parole Authority ( state job ).  The state job pays better and has better benefits.

If you expect to move up in the system, you would have to continue your education and complete your Bachelor's Degree while you are working.

I hope this helps and you can find it useful