Probation Officer

New Jersey Courts; Somerville (NJ); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage of the New Jersey Judiciary is seeking detail‑oriented Probation Officers, including bilingual candidates. The role involves interviewing clients, monitoring case flow, and preparing investigation reports.

A bachelor’s degree with 24 credits in behavioral or social sciences is required, along with strong interpersonal and technical skills. The position offers a hybrid work schedule with up to two remote days and requires ensuring compliance with court

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required, with 24 credits in behavioral or social sciences.
• Strong interview and interpersonal skills for client interactions.
• Ability to use virtual meeting tools and case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and monitor case flow effectively.
• Analyze case histories and identify management needs.
• Coordinate services and review court documents for compliance.
• Schedule conferences, prepare investigations, and assist hearings.
• Prepare orders and participate in virtual court platforms when needed.

Skills

Interviewing

Communication

Customer service

Detail-oriented

Technical literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree with 24 credits in behavioral or social sciences

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Case management software

Job description

If another position becomes available within five months of this recruitment’s closing date, the applicant pool from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in lives of the public we serve. We work hard every day to build the public’s trust and confidence in our court system, which includes issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court. Whether it be in a courtroom, an administrative office, a courthouse training room, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work.

SALARY: The salary range for this position is $55,943.00 to $95,153.11 for Schedule A, and $55,943.00 to $91,346.99 for Schedule B. For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater. Judiciary employees hired prior to October 31, 2015, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after October 31, 2015, are considered Schedule B.

The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.

The Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage is seeking detail-oriented candidates with excellent interpersonal, communication, customer service, and technical skills for Probation Officer/ Probation Officer Bilingual positions in the Criminal Division.

REMOTE WORK

The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.

Duties may include but are not limited to

• Interviewing clients/customers.
• Monitoring case flow.
• Analyzing case histories.
• Identifying clients’/customers’ case management needs.
• Coordinating services for clients/customers.
• Reviewing documents submitted to the court for compliance with court rules and approved practices.
• Scheduling case management conferences and case proceedings.
• Preparing pre-sentence and pre-trial investigations reports.
• Ensuring the timely disposition and entry of all orders and subsequent proceedings.
• Conducting investigations and writing reports.
• Making recommendations to the court.
• Preparing cases for hearings.
• Attending court hearings and assisting in preparing orders, moderate as primary host in Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other virtual courtroom platforms and as co-host, when needed.
• Assembling case files, documents or exhibits for hearings, trials or board meetings.
• Establishing working relationships with divisions, vicinages, or other outside organizations.
• Advising judges and management on case issues.
• Performing related duties as required.

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any area, which includes or is supplemented by 24 credit hours in the behavioral or social sciences.

Applicants who are approaching their anticipated graduation date may apply. If selected, the applicant must complete their degree no later than their start date.

Applicants are required to submit a photocopy of their transcript at the time of application. If selected, an official college or university transcript is required prior to start date.

Education Note: Degrees conferred outside of the United States must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service. (See https://naces.org/members/)

Note: Key entry-level professional positions will be filled as they become available in the Criminal, Family and Probation Divisions. Selected candidates may be assigned to any of these divisions.

Veterans Status: Are you a veteran? If so, please indicate this information in your cover letter and/or resume. For information on Veteran's Preference, please visit the NJ Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs website at http://www.state.nj.us/military/veterans/preference

Driver's License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.

Special Note: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.

Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.

The Judiciary of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Ensuring an Open Door to Justice.

NeoGovapplicant supportat 1-877-204-4442 (toll free call) Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time (MT)