Probation Officer

Government of British Columbia; Smithers; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government entity in Smithers is looking for a Probation Officer to assess client needs, facilitate programs, and supervise adult clients. This role is crucial for supporting the community and involves working closely with various local organizations. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor’s degree or similar experience. A valid BC driver’s license is required, along with completion of the CORR1000 course unless exempt. The position offers opportunities for meaningful engagement and community contribution.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution or equivalent experience required.
• Completion of the Adult Probation Officer prerequisite course (CORR1000), unless exempt.
• Valid Canadian driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assess risks and needs of clients under supervision.
• Facilitate programs and supervise adult clients.
• Support clients in their reintegration journey.

Skills

Experience with complex social needs

Case management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Two-year diploma and relevant experience

Job description

The Team

The Smithers Community Corrections team is a close-knit group that thrives on teamwork, resilience, and dedication to making meaningful connections with the communities we serve. This established team includes a Local Manager, 7 Probation Officers, and an Office Manager. Working with us means collaborating closely with local RCMP, Crown Counsel, Indigenous Justice Partners, and other community service providers. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to advocating for our clients, supporting their growth, and striving for positive long‑term outcomes.

The Role

As a Probation Officer under the guidance of the Local Manager of Smithers Community Corrections, you'll have the rewarding responsibility of assessing risks and needs, facilitating programs, and supervising adult clients under community supervision. You’ll play a vital role in assisting the Court and other decision‑makers, responding to client needs through personalized case management, and encouraging positive changes through individual and group support. Your work will help increase community safety, making a real difference in the lives of those you serve. This role offers the chance to build meaningful relationships, support clients in their reintegration journey, and contribute to the community in a deeply impactful way. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding opportunity, both professionally and personally. For more details, visit Probation Officer Careers.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from a Canadian designated educational institution; or
• Completion of a two‑year diploma and three years of full‑time related experience (or equivalent) working with people with complex social, health, or legal needs, or
• Sixty credits of post‑secondary education towards a diploma and 3 years of full‑time related experience (or equivalent) working with people with complex social, health, or legal needs.
• Successful completion of the Adult Probation Officer pre‑requisite course (CORR1000). Exemptions can be found below.
• A valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s license without restrictions or an equivalent Canadian driver’s license is required. A valid BC Class 7 may be considered.

NOTE

• If post‑secondary education was obtained outside of Canada, you need to confirm it has been assessed for equivalency through the International Credential Evaluation Services. You must provide a Comprehensive Report by the closing date of this posting to be considered.
• If post‑secondary education was instructed in a language other than English, applicants are required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores include: Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) – 70; Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP General) – 7; International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) – 6.5; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – overall score of 90; or Language Proficiency Index (LPI) – 5.
• Post‑secondary education utilizing Prior Learning Assessments will need to be recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and awarded by a recognized Canadian Institution. Certificate, diploma, undergraduate or master’s degrees awarded solely on Prior Learning Assessments without a Revised Date Aug 8, 2025 minimum 50% post‑secondary education do not qualify as meeting BC Corrections educational requirements.

Pre‑Requisite Course Exemptions

• The following candidates are exempt from the CORR1000: The Adult Probation Officer prerequisite course: Candidates who have previously worked as a probation officer, probation officer 14 or administrative support in a community corrections office in BC for a period of at least three months, Candidates who have worked as an adult probation officer in another Canadian jurisdiction, or as a youth probation officer in BC, within the previous two years, for a period of at least three months; or Candidates who have completed a practicum term of at least 140 hours in a BC community corrections office, as part of a post‑secondary diploma or degree program. Other exemption reasons may be considered.
• Candidates who completed CORR1000 (or a previous version of this course; APO155) more than 3 years prior to the closing date, may be required to satisfy the hiring manager if they remain familiar with the role and responsibilities of a probation officer in BC.

Related Experience

• Experience working with people with complex social, health, or legal needs.

Preferences

• Preference may be given to applicants who have a minimum of 6 months experience as a Probation Officer/Probation Officer 15 in a Community Corrections office.
• Preference may be given to applicants who have a minimum of 6 months experience working with people with complex social, health, or legal needs.

Willingness Statements or Provisos

• Willing to work with adult clients who may have multiple legal, health, social, and/or mental health challenges and/or clients who have committed or alleged to have committed intimate partner violence or sexually motivated offences.
• Willing to drive government vehicles to various locations required to perform the duties of a Probation Officer.
• Successful applicants will be required to submit to a driver’s abstract review for the last five‑year period.
• Successful applicants will be required to participate in and successfully complete the position’s training requirements.
• Part‑time employees may require adjustments to hours of work while on basic training.
• Overnight travel to remote locations and working outside typical work hours may be required.

Job Profile

• A full list of related work experience
• Definition of job specific experience.

Contact

For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail].

About this Position

This position is based in Smithers.

Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to one (1) day at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.

An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.

Smithers, on Highway 16, is home to activities like fishing, boating, camping, hiking, skiing, and shopping. The traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en people, whose relationship with the land and strong traditions continue to this day, Smithers is a small but welcoming community.

Please refer to MyHR for more information on Market Adjustments.

A Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) and Enhanced Security Screening will be required.

Additionally, successful candidates must submit to and successfully pass fingerprint screening by RCMP or municipal police and JUSTIN and CORNET provincial database checks.

Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations status or non‑status, Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award‑winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation.

Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES – A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

IMPORTANT Additional Requirement: In addition to applying online, you must email verification of the position requirements below to [e-mail] by the closing date. Failure to do so may result in you not moving forward in the selection process. Candidates currently employed as a probation officer with Community Corrections are not required to submit this documentation.

Verification Documents

• A copy of post secondary degree or diploma
  • An official transcript may also be required.
  • A Comprehensive Report from the International Credential Evaluation Services if required.
  • Verification of English language proficiency test if required.
• A scanned copy of your valid B.C./Canadian driver’s license indicating class.
• Confirmation of completion of the JIBC pre‑requisite course CORR 1000 unless an exemption applies.
• Scanned screenshot from a typing test confirming your ability to type 30 WPM.
• If required, your post secondary education Comprehensive Report verification and/or provide proof of language proficiency as described in the Job Profile.

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.