Probation Officer Trainee

Probation Officer Trainees, under close supervision, receive a course of training and perform beginning level professional work for the purpose of acquiring knowledge, skills, and competence in the field of probation work. Probation Officer Trainees may conduct court ordered investigations of criminal offense(s) to obtain detailed information about the offense, the offender's legal, economic and psycho-social history and the impact of the offense on the complainant/victim. Probation Officer Trainees may prepare and submit written reports and recommendations using available technology. Probation Officer Trainees may also supervise probationers, provide supportive casework/counseling services, and refer probationers to social, governmental, and community agencies and to other entities which may assist in their rehabilitation. Probation Officer Trainees may make home visits to probationers and perform other field work. Probation Officer Trainees may correspond with and visit relatives, community agencies, and employers to ensure that probationers are adhering to the conditions of probation. Probation Officer Trainees prepare and maintain case records using available technology. Probation Officer Trainees may be assigned to specialized units. Probation Officer Trainees may operate a motor vehicle and may be required to carry a firearm for certain assignments. All Probation Officer Trainees perform related work.
Special Working Conditions:
Probation Officer Trainees may be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Some of the physical activities performed by Probation Officer Trainees and environmental conditions experienced are: walking to and from sites for court and field visits; making field visits in all kinds of weather; making field visits to potentially dangerous areas; making visual observations/surveillance of locations; reading documents; sitting for extended periods of time; communicating orally; when assigned to a field unit, carrying a weapon, executing warrants, and taking into custody people on probation wanted by law enforcement agencies. All Probation Officer Trainees perform related work. (This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)

How To Qualify:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the education requirements for the examination before submitting your application. If you are deemed "Not Qualified," your application fee will not be refunded and you will not receive a score. As per Section 54(2) of the Civil Service Law, the education requirement needed to qualify must be met by November 25, 2027.

Education And Experience Requirements:
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in sociology, law, psychology, education, social work, criminology, rehabilitation counseling, counseling, guidance, or related courses that cover contemporary, cultural, social or psychological issues. The college or university must be 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). If you were educated outside the United States, you must have your foreign education evaluated to determine its equivalence to education obtained in the United States. This is required only if you need credit for your foreign education in this examination. For more information see the Foreign Education Evaluation Guide in the Required Information section. During the Education and Experience Exam (EEE), you will get instructions on converting part-time experience to the full-time equivalent. You must final submit your Education and Experience Exam in OASys by midnight Eastern time on the last day of the Application Period, and once you Final Submit, no changes can be made. Failure to click Final Submit by the deadline will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive a score or a refund of the application fee.
Age Requirement:
In accordance with Section 257 of the Executive Law, eligibles must have reached their 21st birthday by the time of appointment to the position of Probation Officer. Therefore, eligibles must have reached their 20th birthday by the time of appointment to the position of Probation Officer Trainee. However, there is no minimum age in order for candidates to file for this position.
Peace Officer Training Certification Requirement:
You must satisfy the training requirements established by the State of New York for Peace Officer Certification. Once obtained, this certification must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
Citizenship Requirement:
United States Citizenship is required at the time of appointment.
Character and Background:
Proof of good character and satisfactory background will be absolute prerequisites to appointment. The following are among the factors which ordinarily would be cause for disqualification: (a) arrest record or conviction of an offense, the nature of which indicates lack of good moral character or disposition toward violence or disorder; (b) repeated arrests or convictions of an offense, where such convictions indicate a disrespect for the law; (c) discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior or inability to adjust to discipline; and (d) dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces. In accordance with provisions of law, persons convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible for appointment to the title of Probation Officer.
Driver License Requirement:
At the time of appointment, you must possess a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
Drug Screening Requirement:
You must pass a drug screening in order to be appointed.
Medical and Psychological Requirement:
Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Probation Officer. Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position of Probation Officer. Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disabil

Your score will be determined by an Education and Experience Exam. You will receive a score of 70 points for meeting the education requirements listed above. After these requirements are met, you will receive additional credit up to a maximum of 100 points on the following basis: Education used to gain additional credit must be obtained by the last day of the Application Period (November 25, 2026). You will If you have satisfactory full-time experience in case management, as a case worker, receive
or providing social services for:
up to:
At least 1 year but less than 2 years 7.5 points At least 2 years but less than 3 years 15 points At least 3 years but less than 4 years 22.5 points 4 or more years 30 points

You will Graduate credits completed at an accredited college or university for:
receive:
3 to 11 semester credits 10 points 12 to 23 semester credits 20 points 24 or more semester credits 30 points On the Education and Experience Exam (EEE) you will be asked questions about the task(s) you performed. The points you receive for each category of experience will be determined by the frequency that you performed those task(s). You will get instructions on the EEE about converting part-time experience to the full-time equivalent. Education used to meet the minimum requirements cannot be used to gain additional credit. You must Final Submit your Education and Experience Exam in OASys by midnight Eastern time on the last day of the Application Period, and once you Final Submit, no changes can be made. Failure to click Final Submit by the deadline will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive a score or a refund of the application fee.

According to Section 255 of the New York State Executive Law, Probation Officer Trainees may reside in any county within New York State.