How to Become a Probation Officer in Ohio

Probation officers work with offenders who have been given probation time instead of prison time.

Probation officers monitor the behavior of persons who have been convicted of a crime and have been placed on probation instead of being given prison time. During the time on parole, the offender must follow specific rules and requirements. It is up to the probation officer to supervise the offender and to help keep the offender from committing another crime. Probation officers often meet with offenders and their families and work with community groups to assist in monitoring the actions of the offender.

Instructions

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers want a master’s degree in a related field if you have no previous experience as a probation officer or a related field such as criminal investigations, substance abuse treatment or social work. Volunteer to gain experience. Organizations such as the United Way can assist you.

2. Inquire at the Juvenile Probation Department in the Ohio county you are seeking employment if you want to work with juveniles. Inquire at the Adult Probation Department in the Ohio county you are seeking employment if you want to work with adults. Contact the county office and the county courts office in the Ohio county you are seeking employment to inquire about open positions for probation officers.

3. Obtain the requirements for any open probation officer positions. Each county has different requirements. For example, Clermont County requires a bachelor’s degree and "one year of experience in supervision and/or writing pre-sentence investigation reports." The Franklin County Municipal Court job search for a Bilingual Probation Officer requires, among fluency in Spanish and English and a bachelor’s degree, experience in using a personal computer and having used, or being capable of learning, Word, Outlook and Excel.

4. Apply for any of the positions that you meet the requirements for.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
• The Supreme Court of Ohio: Franklin County Municipal Court - Bilingual Probation Officer
• Clermont County, Ohio: PROBATION OFFICER II