Probation Officer

Office of the Chief Judge/ Adult Probation Department-Cook County; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Circuit Court of Cook County, Office of the Chief Judge, Adult Probation Department, is seeking an entry‑level Probation Officer to support supervision, guidance, and community services. Responsibilities include field visits and facilitating referrals to treatment, education, and employment resources.

Starting salary is $68,654 with AFSCME 3486 representation. Applicants must meet residency, education, and background requirements and be able to work nights, weekends, and travel to multiple

Qualifications

• Must establish residency in Illinois within 90 days of appointment.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college/university, preferably in criminal justice or related social sciences.
• Ability to master various computer systems used by Adult Probation Department.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and a good driving record with insured vehicle.
• Ability to collect urinalysis drug tests and oral DNA samples.
• Ability to work in clients' homes and in the community.
• Ability to conduct criminal background checks as determined by ISP.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays at locations serviced by the courts/probation department.

Responsibilities

• Supervise individuals under probation and provide guidance in the community.
• Perform home visits and referrals to services for treatment, education and employment.
• Coordinate with courts and other agencies to ensure compliance with supervision terms.

Skills

Residency in Illinois

Bachelor's degree required

Background check clearance

Driver's license

Field work / home visits

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT PROBATION OFFICER

Job Title: Adult Probation Officer
Grade: PS1 - Entry
Starting Salary: $68,654
Reports to: Sworn Supervisor

Union: AFSCME 3486

PROFILE

Operating under the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Adult Probation Department administers a wide range of programs covering both standard and specialized probation supervision and pretrial and presentence services. Through its programs, the Adult Probation Department provides the court with pertinent information at many stages of the criminal justice process, enhances public safety, compensates victims of crime and holds offenders accountable while affording them opportunities to make positive changes in their lives.

The majority of Adult Probation Department resources are dedicated to probation supervision, while residing in the community. Department probation officers assist individuals in complying with their conditions of supervision through guidance, surveillance and referrals to service providers for treatment, education and employment services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Establish residency in the State of Illinois within 90 days of appointment.
• Possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college/university, preferably with major coursework in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work or related social sciences.
• Ability to master various computer systems utilized by Adult Probation Department.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license and a good driving record, along with the availability of an insured motor vehicle.
• Ability to collect and process urinalysis drug tests and oral DNA samples.
• Ability to service clients in their homes and in the community, in accordance with department policy.
• Ability to conduct a criminal background check, as determined by the Illinois State Police.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, at any location serviced by the courts and/or Probation Department.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks, often changing assignments on short notice.
• Ability to establish priorities and a course of action for handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within prescribed limits and complete miscellaneous projects and problem solving.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to complete all duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possess the ability to complete field work, which may entail ability to get in and out of a car, climb stairs and walk moderate distances.
• Possess the ability to complete and pass control tactics training.
• Possess the ability to remain seated at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen.
• Possess the ability to intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies.
• Possess the ability to perform simple grasping and fine manipulation.
• Possess the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Possess the ability to travel to various sites to conduct and facilitate training.
• Possess the ability to use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis; and
• Possess the ability to work in-person 100% of the scheduled work week.

The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.

Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all screenings.

Application materials should be submitted by the close of business on Wednesday September 9, 2026. Please apply by filling out the application at our Career Page.

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Interviews will begin September 2026.

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY- OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE and ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

1. Employee are required to establish and maintain residency with the State of Illinois within six(6) months of hire.
2. The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.