Pretrial Services Officer Jobs
Pretrial Services Officer jobs are open across federal courts, county and state criminal justice agencies, and probation departments, from entry-level officer to senior and supervisory roles, with specializations in risk assessment, case management, and substance abuse monitoring. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Pretrial Services Officer jobs
**This position is 100% grant funded
- Maintains an assigned caseload of low and medium risk cases and provides supervision in accordance with the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act and Pretrial Services Act, applicable procedures, policies, standards and Code of VA, while utilizing Effective Communications and Motivational Interviewing skills.
- Interviews arrested individuals who have been detained and admitted to bail but are unable to secure a release due to inadequate/unavailable financial resources.
- Completes comprehensive background investigations and criminal record checks to verify offender/defendant information.
- Coordinates treatment and community service referrals, develops case plans and makes collateral contacts as necessary.
- Administers drug and alcohol tests.
- Monitors community service requirements/completion and payment of court-ordered financial obligations.
- Conducts risk/needs assessments utilizing effective communication skills.
- Appears in court as required or directed to respond to questions or to testify.
- Collects data and completes various court/agency reports in a timely fashion using state database (PSLP).
- Assists management and peers with inventories, maintenance of equipment, case filing, and records management.
- Documents case file/investigation activities as required.
- Follows up on pending court cases/dispositions of charges via VCIN and Supreme Court database.
- Performs other duties as required or directed.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of one year of related work experience in the criminal justice field.
Special Training, Certifications and/or Licenses: Four weeks of Basic Skills Training is required within six months of hire. Must pass a criminal record training course (VCIN) and various training tests for knowledge and competency during probationary period and meet or exceed benchmarks established by management. Requires a valid driver’s license and driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.
Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
- Knowledge of criminal justice systems, including probation and pretrial services.
- Ability to build effective professional relationships with courts, law enforcement, attorneys, treatment providers, community partners, and clients.
- Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
- Flexibility to work non-standard hours, respond to urgent requests, and manage changing priorities.
- Ability to complete required training, including DCJS Basic Skills and VCIN certification.
- Must pass a national criminal background investigation and required competency assessments.
- Must be computer proficient and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
ADA Checklist
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
**This position is 100% grant funded
- Maintains an assigned caseload of low and medium risk cases and provides supervision in accordance with the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act and Pretrial Services Act, applicable procedures, policies, standards and Code of VA, while utilizing Effective Communications and Motivational Interviewing skills.
- Interviews arrested individuals who have been detained and admitted to bail but are unable to secure a release due to inadequate/unavailable financial resources.
- Completes comprehensive background investigations and criminal record checks to verify offender/defendant information.
- Coordinates treatment and community service referrals, develops case plans and makes collateral contacts as necessary.
- Administers drug and alcohol tests.
- Monitors community service requirements/completion and payment of court-ordered financial obligations.
- Conducts risk/needs assessments utilizing effective communication skills.
- Appears in court as required or directed to respond to questions or to testify.
- Collects data and completes various court/agency reports in a timely fashion using state database (PSLP).
- Assists management and peers with inventories, maintenance of equipment, case filing, and records management.
- Documents case file/investigation activities as required.
- Follows up on pending court cases/dispositions of charges via VCIN and Supreme Court database.
- Performs other duties as required or directed.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of one year of related work experience in the criminal justice field.
Special Training, Certifications and/or Licenses: Four weeks of Basic Skills Training is required within six months of hire. Must pass a criminal record training course (VCIN) and various training tests for knowledge and competency during probationary period and meet or exceed benchmarks established by management. Requires a valid driver’s license and driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.
Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
- Knowledge of criminal justice systems, including probation and pretrial services.
- Ability to build effective professional relationships with courts, law enforcement, attorneys, treatment providers, community partners, and clients.
- Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
- Flexibility to work non-standard hours, respond to urgent requests, and manage changing priorities.
- Ability to complete required training, including DCJS Basic Skills and VCIN certification.
- Must pass a national criminal background investigation and required competency assessments.
- Must be computer proficient and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
ADA Checklist
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
See All 7 Pretrial Services Officer Jobs
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Find JobsPretrial Services Officer Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pretrial services officer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field
- Experience conducting structured risk assessments using validated screening tools
- Knowledge of federal or state pretrial release statutes and supervision conditions
- Ability to prepare written reports and recommendations for court review
- Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct field visits and home checks
- Familiarity with case management software and electronic monitoring systems
Tips for Your Pretrial Services Officer Job Search
Tailor your resume to risk assessment
Pretrial officers are evaluated on their ability to assess defendant risk and make release recommendations. Highlight specific tools you've used, any formal risk-assessment frameworks you're trained in, and concrete examples of case supervision outcomes on your resume.
Get your APPA certification before applying
Many agencies prefer or require American Probation and Parole Association certification. Completing it before you apply signals readiness and separates you from candidates who list only a degree, especially for positions at the federal district court level.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists pretrial services officer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target agencies by supervision model
Federal Pretrial Services offices operate differently from county programs. Federal roles emphasize statutory compliance and court reporting, while county positions often carry broader caseloads. Matching your resume language to the supervision model the posting describes increases your chances of passing initial screening.
Prepare behavioral answers around difficult defendants
Interviewers for pretrial roles consistently ask how you've handled non-compliant or high-risk individuals. Prepare two or three specific scenarios that show de-escalation, documentation, and the decision to recommend revocation when warranted.
Negotiate your grade level, not just salary
Federal pretrial officer positions are classified under a pay scale where your starting grade affects your long-term earning trajectory. If you have directly relevant experience, ask whether a higher entry grade is available rather than accepting the default offer.
Pretrial Services Officer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most pretrial services officers?
The companies hiring the most pretrial services officers right now include U.S. District Court - Central District of California, Lake County, IL, and City of Chesapeake, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, California, and Indiana, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Federal district courts and county probation departments consistently account for the majority of active postings.
How many pretrial services officer jobs are remote?
About 25% of pretrial services officer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the in-person nature of most supervision and court-reporting duties. Administrative and supervisory roles, along with positions focused on data analysis or policy compliance, are the most likely to offer any remote flexibility.
How do you become a pretrial services officer?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a closely related field. Most agencies require completion of a background investigation and drug screening before hire. New officers typically complete a formal training academy covering risk assessment, legal standards, and supervision techniques, followed by a supervised probationary period before carrying an independent caseload.
Can you get hired as a pretrial services officer with little or no experience?
Yes, many agencies hire entry-level pretrial officers directly from college, particularly candidates with internship experience in courts, probation, social services, or law enforcement. Volunteering with a court diversion program or completing a practicum in a corrections or social work setting gives you concrete examples to discuss in interviews and strengthens an otherwise thin resume.
What does the pretrial services officer interview process look like?
Most agencies use a structured panel interview with representatives from human resources and the supervising court or agency. You'll typically answer behavioral and scenario-based questions focused on risk assessment judgment, handling non-compliant defendants, and report writing under time pressure. Some federal positions also require a written exercise and a formal background investigation before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to pretrial services officer jobs?
You can find and apply to pretrial services officer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and jurisdiction preference, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 7 Pretrial Services Officer Jobs
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