Probation Officer (Community Service & Collections - Probation)
Government Jobs, Hackensack, NJ, United States
Probation Officer
The Bergen Vicinage Probation Division is seeking a self-starter interested in making a difference as a Probation Officer on our Community Service and Collections team. The selected candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, have a strong work ethic and superior problem-solving abilities.
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.
Salary: The salary range for this position is $54,051.21 to $91,935.37 for Schedule A, and $54,051.21 to $88,257.96 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.
Location: Hackensack, NJ
Job Type: Full Time
Opening Date: 04/07/2026
Closing Date: 4/28/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Example of Duties
Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Uphold the integrity of the Probation Division and advance its vital role within the community.
Provide support and guidance to clients, fostering their personal growth and rehabilitation, and empowering them to become proactive, contributing members of society.
Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines, adhering to established policies and procedures.
Attend ongoing training sessions to support continuous professional development and implement best practices for Enhanced Outcome-Based Supervision.
Educate clients regarding the rules and conditions of their probation terms.
Accurately maintain comprehensive case notes and documentation to ensure up-to-date client profiles.
Assist clients in eliminating barriers to ensure they can achieve success with court-ordered conditions of probation and financial obligations.
Employ cognitive behavioral techniques and core correctional practices to effectively assist clients in fulfilling their probation requirements.
Perform fieldwork, including office, home, jail, and agency visits, as required.
Administer drug testing, including both saliva and observed urine collection procedures.
Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations and procedural guidelines, including mandated timeframes and deadlines.
Assist clients in fulfilling community service requirements through appropriate placement or alternative opportunities.
Monitor payment of fines, penalties, and restitution and submit referrals to our internal collection team when necessary.
Utilize designated case management systems.
Deliver high-quality customer service to clients, colleagues, and internal & external stakeholders.
Facilitate client cooperation with court orders related to payment of fines, fees, restitution, and completion of community service.
Provide individualized client assistance, including payment reminders and referrals to employment or educational services as needed.
Assess clients' ability to pay using the Ability to Pay Calculator and work towards the establishment of reasonable consent agreements.
Prepare cases for and participate in CEP hearings; remind clients of upcoming hearing dates and encourage participation.
Enter and document consent agreements, excusing clients from hearing appearances when appropriate.
Maintain thorough, accurate case notes and records in the probation case management system.
Uphold privacy and confidentiality standards in all client interactions and case documentation.
Maintain collaborative relationships with CEP Coordinators, hearing officers, division staff, and community partners.
Actively connect clients to supportive resources (including affordable childcare, transportation, and counseling services).
Uphold the highest standards of procedural fairness, including providing clients with the opportunity to be heard and respecting their rights throughout the process.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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. 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.
Supplemental Information
Physical Ability: For some positions, applicants must have the ability to perform work which requires climbing and prolonged standing, stretching, bending and reaching to perform the essential duties of the position. For some positions, the selected candidate must be able to frequently lift and carry supplies weighing from 30 to 50 pounds and, occasionally, materials weighing up to 75 pounds, in order to perform essential duties of the position.
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 Bergen Vicinage Probation Division is seeking a self-starter interested in making a difference as a Probation Officer on our Community Service and Collections team. The selected candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, have a strong work ethic and superior problem-solving abilities.
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.
Salary: The salary range for this position is $54,051.21 to $91,935.37 for Schedule A, and $54,051.21 to $88,257.96 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.
Location: Hackensack, NJ
Job Type: Full Time
Opening Date: 04/07/2026
Closing Date: 4/28/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Example of Duties
Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Uphold the integrity of the Probation Division and advance its vital role within the community.
Provide support and guidance to clients, fostering their personal growth and rehabilitation, and empowering them to become proactive, contributing members of society.
Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines, adhering to established policies and procedures.
Attend ongoing training sessions to support continuous professional development and implement best practices for Enhanced Outcome-Based Supervision.
Educate clients regarding the rules and conditions of their probation terms.
Accurately maintain comprehensive case notes and documentation to ensure up-to-date client profiles.
Assist clients in eliminating barriers to ensure they can achieve success with court-ordered conditions of probation and financial obligations.
Employ cognitive behavioral techniques and core correctional practices to effectively assist clients in fulfilling their probation requirements.
Perform fieldwork, including office, home, jail, and agency visits, as required.
Administer drug testing, including both saliva and observed urine collection procedures.
Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations and procedural guidelines, including mandated timeframes and deadlines.
Assist clients in fulfilling community service requirements through appropriate placement or alternative opportunities.
Monitor payment of fines, penalties, and restitution and submit referrals to our internal collection team when necessary.
Utilize designated case management systems.
Deliver high-quality customer service to clients, colleagues, and internal & external stakeholders.
Facilitate client cooperation with court orders related to payment of fines, fees, restitution, and completion of community service.
Provide individualized client assistance, including payment reminders and referrals to employment or educational services as needed.
Assess clients' ability to pay using the Ability to Pay Calculator and work towards the establishment of reasonable consent agreements.
Prepare cases for and participate in CEP hearings; remind clients of upcoming hearing dates and encourage participation.
Enter and document consent agreements, excusing clients from hearing appearances when appropriate.
Maintain thorough, accurate case notes and records in the probation case management system.
Uphold privacy and confidentiality standards in all client interactions and case documentation.
Maintain collaborative relationships with CEP Coordinators, hearing officers, division staff, and community partners.
Actively connect clients to supportive resources (including affordable childcare, transportation, and counseling services).
Uphold the highest standards of procedural fairness, including providing clients with the opportunity to be heard and respecting their rights throughout the process.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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. 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.
Supplemental Information
Physical Ability: For some positions, applicants must have the ability to perform work which requires climbing and prolonged standing, stretching, bending and reaching to perform the essential duties of the position. For some positions, the selected candidate must be able to frequently lift and carry supplies weighing from 30 to 50 pounds and, occasionally, materials weighing up to 75 pounds, in order to perform essential duties of the position.
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.