Job Description
ALL APPLICANTS MUST REGISTER AND SUBMIT PAYMENT FOR THE EXAMINATION DIRECTLY THROUGH THE LINKED BELOW.
http://mass.gov/probationexam
IF YOU APPLY THROUGH THE APPLY ONLINE LINK ABOVE ON THIS MASS CAREERS PAGE YOU WILL NOT BE REGISTERED FOR THE PROBATION OFFICER EXAMINATION. (CUT AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER IF THE EMBEDDED LINK DOES NOT WORK)
You will receive a confirmation email when you have completed the process. Your registration is not complete until you have received a confirmation email. If you only receive an email from Mass Careers, you HAVE NOT successfully applied. Please reach out to HR Exam at exams@jud.state.ma.us , or call 617-742-8575 with any questions.
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For Trial Court Probation Officer Examination Information, please click this link:
http://mass.gov/probationexam
Official Title: Probation Officer
Organization: Massachusetts Trial Court
Work Locations: Massachusetts
Shift: Full Time
Posting Title: Probation Officer - Entrance Exam
Job Description:
OPENING REGISTRATION DATE: June 9, 2025
LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION: 11:59PM on August 29, 2025
EXAMINATION DATE: September 15, 2025 - Friday, October 3, 2025
Examination Fee: $100
Examination Location: Scheduling of exact time and location to be completed through Pearson VUE Testing Centers after Registration.
The week of September 8, 2025, all approved applicants will receive an email from I/O Solutions (IOS) with instructions for scheduling the exam at Pearson VUE. This email will include the candidate ID, which is required for registration.
If you passed the March 2024 Probation Officer Entrance Exam, you do not need to retake this exam. However, all applicants must still meet other hiring criteria outlined in this announcement and in accordance with Trial Court policy.
Position Summary: Supervises probationers to ensure compliance with court orders and applicable probation standards as well as to enhance public safety. Conducts interviews with probationers and/or families. Maintains accurate case management records and prepares records for court. Presents information to the court such as indigency recommendations, compliance with conditions of probation/court orders, investigation reports, record checks, requests for detention, motions to modify conditions, and arguments and recommendations at violation of probation proceedings. Makes referrals to Community Justice Support Centers, social service agencies and programs and monitors compliance as required by MPS standards and policies.
- Oversees cases for individuals placed on probation supervision. Completes risk/need and other assessments;
- Performs community supervision, and makes contact with victims as needed;
- Ensures program compliance through verification of conditions of release or conditions of probation;
- Assists probationers in navigating the process of successfully complying with conditions;
- Completes dispute interventions and family service investigations;
- Makes referrals to social service agencies, Community Justice Support Centers, and programs to ensure compliance Prepares cases for court and addresses non-compliance issues;
- Administers drug screening, checks for test compliance, and completes updated records;
- Facilitates the skill development of probationers in order to achieve long term positive change;
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements: Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree; a concentration in human services, behavioral sciences, or criminal justice is preferred; and
- Two (2) years of related work experience.
Knowledge of:
- Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software;
- Case Management Systems;
- MPS Policies and Standards and Trial Court Standards;
- Community resources and services.
Skill in:
- Organization and time management;
- Crisis management and conflict resolution.
Ability to:
- Establish effective working relationships with others;
- Prepare clear and accurate reports;
- Ability to conduct community supervision/field work;
- Maintain appropriate records;
- Maintain confidentiality of information;
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Work independently and follow oral and written instructions;
- Ability to travel as needed to conduct community supervision/field work;
- Administer drug tests and installation of GPS equipment.