21st Judicial Circuit - Probation Officer Application

- Position Type:  Probation Officer
  
  Responsible To: Division Supervisor
  
  Responsible For:  See attached Job Description
  
  Date Posted: February 25, 2026
  
  Starting Date:  To be determined
  
  Salary Range:  $54,515.00 (approx. $78,754.33 after 4 years subject to future contracts) plus benefits
  
  Application Deadline: TBD
- GENERAL SUMMARY NON-EXEMPT
  
  Appointed by the Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit, administered by the Director of Probation and Court Services, and under the direct supervision of the Division Supervisor, this position performs all duties as described in Chapter 730, of the Illinois Compiled Statues, Act 110, Section 12, including investigations and supervision of probationers.
  
  This position is responsible for ensuring that all orders of the Court are successfully completed and for reporting probationer progress to the Court.
  
  ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITES:
  - Enforce court-ordered supervision conditions and implement supervision strategies for high risk probationers.
  - Detect and investigate violations of court order and implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions. Report violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities.
  - Provide probationer surveillance through home, work, and other onsite visits in the community.
  - Install and monitor electronic monitoring devices.
  - Some positions require the officer to conduct duties while being armed.
  - Adhere to department procedural and safety guidelines for armed officers (if applicable).
  - Conduct investigations and prepare reports for the Court. Interview offenders/defendants and their families and collect background data from various sources.
  - Maintain thorough and accurate records of all case activities.
    Assess risk level of defendants using a validated risk/needs assessment tool(s).
  - Collect and conduct urinalysis of offenders/defendants, following established procedures and protocols. Maintain computerized records of test results.
    Other duties as requested by management.
  ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  
  Must be able to be on call, as scheduled by supervisors, twenty-four hours a day which includes weekends and holidays.
  
  Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Division Supervisor and Assistant Director as designated by the Director.
  
  GENERAL EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:
  - Obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
  - Must be a resident of the State of Illinois and comply with the residency requirements of the 21st Judicial Circuit within ninety (90) days of appointment.
  - Must be on the employment eligibility list maintained by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts-Division of Probation Services.
    Must be able to pass a psychological exam.
  - Participate and successfully pass a 40-hour mandatory firearm training course (if applicable).
  EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  
  Computer, printer, copy machines and miscellaneous office equipment, multi-line/function telephones, field radios, mobile phones, squad car, drug testing kits, electroshock device (Taser), firearm (if applicable).
  
  PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:
  - The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  - The qualified incumbent must be able to sit, stand, and walk for varying periods of time, both in and outside of the office environment.
  - The qualified incumbent must be physically mobile to the degree that he/she is able to engage in self-defense and other moderate physical training.
  - The qualified incumbent must have good hand-eye coordination and visual ability sufficient to operate computers, multi-function phone systems, field radios, mace aerosols, and motor vehicles.
  - The qualified incumbent must have hearing and speaking ability which is sufficient to carry on conversations in person and via telephone or field radio.
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  
  Physical Effort-Light/Minimal
  
  The qualified incumbent will be required to:
  - sit for substantial periods of time in such activities as interviewing and data entry;
  - walk occasionally within the office and to other county buildings such as courthouse and jail;
  - handle light objects such as staplers, phone, and miscellaneous small office equipment;
  - stand in place for brief periods of time for such tasks as copying.
  Physical Effort-Light/Moderate
  
  The qualified incumbent will be required to:
  - engage in extensive data entry which utilizes repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements;
  - drive and/or sit in a squad car for substantial periods of time;
  - climb stairs and traverse varying types of terrain in the course of home visits.
  Physical Effort-Moderate/Considerable
  
  The qualified incumbent will be required to:
  - engage in self-defense and other moderate physical training;
  - engage in interaction with and the transporting of resistant probationers.
  Sensory Attention-Minimal
  
  The qualified incumbent will be required to:
  - see, read, and comprehend case records and other written material;
  - see sufficiently to operate a motor vehicle;
  - hear conversations both in person and through use of phone or field radio;
  - speak for periods of time to interview or provide testimony;
  Sensory Attention-Moderate/Considerable
  
  The qualified incumbent will be required to:
  - focus attention for considerable periods of time in interviewing and preparing in-depth reports such as pre-sentence investigations;
  - focus attention and listen for extended periods of time such as in in-depth interviewing, following court proceedings, or providing testimony.
  Sensory Attention-Extreme
  
  The qualified incumbent will be required to:
  - focus attention and listen for extended periods or under stressful conditions such as in interviewing a volatile/violent probationer or in providing crisis intervention.
  WORK ENVIROMENT:
  
  The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those a probation officer encounters while performing the routine functions of his/her job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essentials functions.
  
  General Conditions
  - The probation officer will be exposed to an indoor office environment for the largest percentage of his/her work time. In that offender and community contacts are a requirement of this position, the officer will be exposed to periods of time in squad cars and to outdoor conditions which can involve weather extremes.
  Hazardous Conditions
  - The probation officer will be expected to supervise individuals who are considered high-risk for volatile and violent behaviors. The officer may be exposed to verbal and potential physical abuse.
  - Due to the nature of work demands and the supervised population, the officer will work in a psychologically stressful environment.
- REQUIREMENTS:
  - Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work or related field preferred.
  - Valid Driver’s License and reliable automobile.
  - Be able to pass a criminal background check and psychological exam.
  - Reside in the State of Illinois and within 15 miles of the border of Kankakee or Iroquois Counties within 12 months of hire (AOIC requires you to live in Illinois within 90 days of hire).
  - Be registered as an eligible candidate by the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts.
  WAGES AND BENEFITS:
  
  Wages:
  - 35-hour work week
  - $54,515.00 current starting annual salary ($59,966.50 Field Unit Officers)
  - $50.00 monthly stand by pay (if applicable)
  Vacation:
  - 35 hours after six months
  - 35 additional hours after one year
  - 70 hours after two years
  - 105 hours after seven years
  - 140 hours after fifteen years
  - 175 hours after 25 years
  Sick Time:
  - 14 hours sick time on hire date
  - 21 additional hours sick time after six months
  - 35 hours sick time after one year
  - 70 hours sick time January 1 after two years of service
  - 63 hours sick time and 42 hours extended illness Jan. 1 after four years of service
  Holidays:
  
  Typically 13 paid holidays per year (Chief Judge declares holiday observances)
  
  Personal Day:
  - 7 hours personal time per year with less than eight years
  - 14 hours personal time per year after eight years
  - 21 hours personal time per year after fifteen years
  Medical and other benefits:
  - I.M.R.F. Pension Plan
  - Deferred Compensation Plan
  - Contributing health/dental Insurance Plan
  - Tuition Reimbursement Plan
  - Mileage reimbursement for work functions
  02/26 Revised
- Probation Officer - Employment Application
  
  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The Probation & Court Services Department, 21st Judicial Circuit, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or in the provision of services. Your application will be considered with others in competition or the position in which you are interested. Please furnish us with complete information as outlined in this application.
- PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Full Name
  
  First NameMiddle NameLast Name
- Address
  
  Street Address
  
  Street Address Line 2
  
  CityState / Province
  
  Postal / Zip CodeCountry
- Phone Number
  Format: (000) 000-0000.
- E-mail
  example@example.com
- Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony offense?
- If yes, please give date, place and disposition. Include nature of conviction.

POSITION DESIRED
Position Applying For
Have You applied here before?
If yes, when?

EDUCATION
College
Name of College/University Attended
Address of College
Attended (Month/Year) - To (Month/Year)
Date Conferred
Major Subject
Degree
Overall Grade Point Average
List any academic awards or honors along with the dates they were conferred.
Graduate School?
If yes, year completed
Masters Degree Area
Institution

SPECIAL COMPETENCIES
Are you fluent in any foreign language?
If yes, indicate language(s)
Please list the granting of any certifications or licensures for the provision of specialized services and also indicate the effective dates or periods of authorization for the above.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Please list employers beginning with your present or most recent employment. Also, include any U.S. Military Service in this section of the form.
Current Employer
Name of Current Employer or NONE if not Employed
Position
Describe your duties in this position
Address
Start Date - End Date
Current Salary / Wage ($)
Reason for Leaving?
Name of Immediate Supervisor
May We Contact?
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
Previous Employer 1
Name of Previous Employer
Position
Describe your duties in this position
Address
Start Date - End Date
Previous Salary / Wage ($)
Reason for Leaving?
Name of Immediate Supervisor
May we contact?
Previous Employer 2
Name of Previous Employer
Position
Describe your duties in this position
Address
Start Date - End Date
Previous Salary / Wage ($)
Reason for Leaving?
Name of Immediate Supervisor
May we contact?

UNSALARIED EXPERIENCE

i.e....internship, volunteering, etc....
Organization 1
Location
Position Held
Dates of participation (Month/Year) - to (Month/Year)
Describe your duties in this position
Supervisor
Hours Worked Per Week
Organization 2
Location
Position Held
Dates of participation (Month/Year) - to (Month/Year)
Describe your duties in this position
Supervisor
Hours Worked Per Week

REFERENCES

Please provide the names of three (3) persons who are familiar with your employment/educational record.
Reference 1
Name of Reference
Relationship
Business/Occupation
Years Acquainted
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Reference 2
Name of Reference
Relationship
Business/Occupation
Years Acquainted
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Reference 3
Name of Reference
Relationship
Business/Occupation
Years Acquainted
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Please describe, in detail, the duties, responsibilities, and rewards you seek from the employment market.
Where in the criminal justice process, would probation services become an active component? How would you view your role as a Probation Officer within the criminal justice system? Please be specific.
In your view, what would be the most critical responsibility of a Probation Officer and why?

COVER LETTER & RESUME (Required)
Cover Letter

Cancelof
Resume

Cancelof

In addition to this, 21st Judicial Circuit - Application for Employment, you are currently completing, you will also need to download and mail the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC) Application below directly to Springfield to be placed on a probation officer eligibility list for the State of Illinois.

Pursuant to the provisions of 730 ILCS 110/15, all applicants must be certified by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) Probation Division as meeting the minimum qualifications for probation/court services personnel as defined in the Policies Governing Hiring, Promotion and Training of Illinois Probation Court Services Personnel in order to be eligible for employment or promotion by probation and court services departments in Illinois.
Please Download & Complete.
After completing the AOIC application, it is your responsibility to forward copies of the signed AOIC application, certified transcripts, and copy of your resume to both locations below:
1. AOIC Probation Division, 3101 Old Jacsonville Rd, Springfield IL 62704
2. Chief Judge's Office - 21st Judicial Circuit, 450 E Court St, Kankakee IL 60901

SUBMIT APPLICATION

21st Judicial Circuit - Employment Application
Permission is hereby given to the Kankakee County Probation Services Department and the Court of the Twenty-first Circuit to contact any or all persons, institutions, or agencies named in this application for information concerning this applicant.
Select One
I submit the above application and certify that all statements contained herein are true and accurate. In addition, I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application. I understand that any misrepresentations or misleading information herein could invalidate this application and be the basis for terminating employment, if any appointment is made. I also understand that acceptance of this application for consideration implies no guarantee of employment.
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
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Probation Officer - Employment Application

PERSONAL INFORMATION

POSITION DESIRED

EDUCATION

SPECIAL COMPETENCIES

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT

UNSALARIED EXPERIENCE

REFERENCES

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

COVER LETTER & RESUME (Required)

SUBMIT APPLICATION