Launch Your Career as a Probation Officer in the District of Columbia

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth? The Court Social Services Division (CSSD) of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia is currently seeking compassionate and driven individuals to serve as Probation Officers. This role offers the unique chance to contribute to a justice system that values rehabilitation, accountability, and safety.

Job Responsibilities

As a Probation Officer, you will manage a caseload of youth, ensuring they receive the support and supervision necessary for positive outcomes. Your core duties will include:

Conducting home, school, and community visits.
Facilitating Family Group Conferences to help set goals and address compliance barriers.
Drafting social history reports and court status updates.
Applying TACT II de-escalation techniques to maintain safety without weapons.
Collaborating with law enforcement and community service providers.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$68,405 - $88,926
Location	Washington, D.C.
Education	Bachelor's Degree Required
Travel	Occasional

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific educational and professional criteria, including:

A Bachelor's degree in a social science field.
Minimum of two years in a role involving youth case management.
A valid driver's license with a clean record for the past 60 months.
Adherence to the maximum entry age requirement (under 37).

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package equivalent to federal benefit standards, including:

Comprehensive Health, Life, and Retirement insurance.
Commuter transit subsidies up to $150/month.
Generous leave policies, including 4-8 hours of annual leave biweekly.
Specialized training in trauma-informed practices and de-escalation.

Serving as a Probation Officer in the District of Columbia is more than a job—it is an opportunity to mentor the next generation. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to serve the community, apply today through the USAJobs portal.

Why This Probation Officer Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on youth and families in the nation's capital as a Probation Officer with the District of Columbia Courts.

Probation Officer Job Overview

The Court Social Services Division (CSSD) of the District of Columbia Superior Court is seeking dedicated professionals to join our team as Probation Officers. This role is pivotal in guiding youth through the justice system, utilizing a trauma-informed, non-weaponized approach to case management, supervision, and community support. You will work within a diverse environment that prioritizes accountability, fairness, and the rehabilitation of our community's youth.

Requirements for Probation Officer

Bachelor's degree in a social science field (e.g., social work, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, or sociology).
At least two years of specialized experience in case planning, supervision, and service coordination for youth and families.
Must be under age 37 at the time of appointment for law enforcement retirement provisions (unless qualifying for age-subtraction exceptions).
Possession of a valid driver's license with no suspensions or driving-related criminal convictions within the last 60 months.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting and Child Protection Register checks.
Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Probation Officer

Experience in trauma-informed care and de-escalation strategies.
Proven history of working with at-risk youth and diverse populations.
Strong communication skills for documenting reports and facilitating family conferences.
Familiarity with social history documentation and court hearing preparation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal life insurance, health insurance, and retirement plans.
✓Comprehensive workers' compensation coverage.
✓Generous annual leave accrual (increasing with years of service) and unlimited sick leave accrual.
✓Supplemental vision and dental insurance plans.
✓Commuter transit benefit subsidy (up to $150/month).
✓Ongoing professional development including TACT II de-escalation training.

💡 How to Apply Probation Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Probation Officer Job

Review the full job announcement on the official portal.
Prepare your resume, academic transcripts, and professional references.
Click the Apply Online button to access the application questionnaire.
Submit your complete package, including all required documentation, before the closing date.
Monitor your account for notifications regarding the required in-person writing assessment.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your past two years of experience relate to case management and youth services.
Upload clear, legible copies of all college transcripts showing the degree conferred date.
If you have previous federal law enforcement service, have your SF-50 ready to determine your age-requirement eligibility.
Don't wait until the last minute; ensure your application is submitted before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a sworn law enforcement position carrying weapons?

No. The CSSD operates a non-weaponized system. Staff prioritize safety through communication, de-escalation, and relationship-building.

What if I have a foreign degree?

You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcript at the time of application to receive credit.

Is this a federal competitive service position?

No, this is filled via an alternative hiring process under the DC Courts, though it offers federal-style benefits.

Job from District Of Columbia Courts

The DC Courts are the judicial branch of the District of Columbia government. Operating independently from other branches, the Court Social Services Division is dedicated to providing high-quality justice and community-focused support. We believe in being "Open to All, Trusted by All, Justice for All," and our employees are our most important assets.