Probation/Parole Officer Careers

1. How long does it take to have my application reviewed?
The Probation Parole Officer position posts continuously and Community Supervision staff screens applications as they come in. 
Please note:
•    Applications are screened daily in the order in which they are received; and
•    The length of time varies depending on the number of applications received.

2. How do I check the status of my application?
You can log into the state application website and access your account. Click on your name in the upper right corner, then click “applications.”

3. What does “Under Review” mean?
“Under Review” means that your application has been received and is in the screening or background check process. There is nothing else you need to do.

4. What does “Not Qualified” mean?
“Not Qualified” means that:

• The information submitted on your application indicates you do not have the education and/or experience required to meet the minimum criteria;

• You checked “yes” to having a DUI, DWI or a felony; 
  At the time of application, you were determined ineligible to be assigned a state vehicle. Reasons for this include, but are not limited to: having more than 6 points on your North Carolina driver license, not being eligible to obtain a NC Driver License, or any DMV flag or designation indicating you are ineligible to be assigned a state vehicle; typically this flag states “not eligible for school bus certification”. Our department cannot change information obtained from the DMV; if you believe your DMV flag is in error, please contact the DMV to have your NCDL information updated. You may reapply after your situation changes.

• You are not a U.S. or naturalized citizen;

•  Your application is incomplete; or  

• Your background indicated you are not suitable for the job of a Probation/Parole Officer. You may reapply in twelve (12) months after your application expires.

5. What does “Eligible” mean?
Eligible means that you possess the education and/or experience required for the job. Your application will be forward to the Judicial Division(s) of your choice, who will contact candidates for interview. Counties with a higher number of current vacancies may conduct interviews more often than counties with fewer openings. 

6. Can I edit my application once has been submitted?
Your application cannot be edited after submission but if you would like to add/delete your county selection, or submit additional documentation such as a transcript or DD214, please send us an email. You can also update your contact information by logging into the system and editing your profile. Simply click on your name in the upper right corner, then “Profile”. You will need to create a new account and submit a revised application in case of error.  

7. How often can I apply?

Applications are accepted for Probation/Parole Officer positions once in a twelve-month period. You may also apply via a Hiring Event posting, but if your application was previously determined “not qualified” under another PPO posting and the reason for that disqualification has not changed, your Hiring Event application will also be disqualified. 

8.  Do I have to attach documents to my application, such as transcripts or DD 214 Form?

To receive veteran’s preference, we must have your DD 214. To receive National Guard preference, we must have a NGB 23A (RPAS). If you are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and were discharged under honorable conditions, we must have either a DD256 or NGB 22.

Transcripts are only required if you have a Human Services degree or an unrelated degree that requires us to verify that you have 24 credit hours of related coursework (see question 11 below). Documents may be faxed to us at (919) 324-6250 or emailed to us.

9.  When does my application expire?

Applications are valid for twelve (12) months from the date you applied. After that time, you will need to reapply.

10.  What qualifies as related work experience to be a Probation/Parole Officer?

The following are examples of jobs that qualify as related work experience. All experience must be clearly listed on your application with start and end dates.

• State or Federal Probation/Parole Officer;

• Judicial Services Coordinator or Judicial Services Specialist;

• Juvenile Court Counselor;

• Powers of arrest in either law enforcement or with the military (you must indicate this experience in the body of your application);

• Social work experience, drug treatment court counselor, counseling clients/offenders;

• Court experience (e.g. police officer, drug court);

• Clinical case management with clients/offenders;

• Developing person-centered plans or treatment plans for clients/offenders;

• North Carolina DPS/DAC Correctional Officer as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, or;

• DPS/DAC Correctional Case Manager/Analyst, Program Supervisor/Director, Unit Manager or Assistant Unit Manager; 

• Human services counseling experience (adults or juveniles);

• Magistrate;

• Law; 

• Deputy Clerk, or

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Correctional Services, Psychology, Social Work or another related Human Services major from an accredited college or university.

Examples of jobs we do not count as related work experience include security or detention officer, food stamps case worker, intake specialist case worker, habilitation specialist, detective, and county/community jailer.

11. What coursework qualifies for the Probation/Parole Officer position?

Some Human Services degrees, such as political science and social sciences, require you to attach your transcripts. Within the coursework for your degree you must have at least 24 semester hours in criminal justice, correctional services, psychology, social work, sociology, or other related human services to qualify.

12.  Do my transcripts need to be “official”?

During the application process, we do not need official or certified transcripts. Transcripts are sometimes needed during screening to verify related course work.\

13. What tests will I have to take as part of the application process?

Qualified applicants will be required to log on to a website to access three pre-screening assessments. You will be notified via email with instructions and login instructions. There are no costs to the applicant associated with these assessments. Applicants should allow at least 3-4 uninterrupted hours to complete the assessments, which are:

1. The “BRAINS” Assessment 

2. Personal History Statement

3. California Personality Inventory (CPI-260)

14. What happens after the interview?

After the interview, you will receive communication via phone or email regardless of the outcome. If you are selected for a county that has an immediate opening, you will receive instructions on next step(s). If you are not immediately selected or there are no vacancies in your preferred counties, your application will be “banked” for 365 days from the date you applied. You may reapply once your application expires. Unfortunately, we are unable to hire everyone. Should your application expire while you are on the Eligible list, please submit a new application.

15. What are some of the details about PPO Basic Training?

PPO Basic training is an eight-week period, with trainees spending Sunday through Thursday nights on campus, attending classes Monday through Friday. Overnight stay on campus is mandatory, and all meals are provided. Use of a state-owned vehicle is permitted for traveling to/from campus. Trainees are paid for their time spent in training and travel.

____

All decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability or political affiliation/influence. Decisions are based upon job-related criteria in order to comply with all federal and state employment laws, regulation, rules and policies, and to promote fairness, diversity and integrity.