Probation Officer

Overview

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice administers community and custody-based programs for adults and young persons. Within this division are community corrections and correctional facilities that provide supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration services.

As a Probation Officer, you will provide community corrections services to adults and young persons aged 12 years and older. Your work will involve using an electronic case management system, preparing investigative reports, attending court, supervising individuals, and coordinating community services.

• Complete pre‑sentence reports to assist courts in determining appropriate dispositions.
• Supervise individuals on court orders to ensure compliance with conditions.
• Investigate violations of conditional sentence orders, prepare and serve applicable documents.
• Record ongoing file documentation for case management.
• Respond to crises of supervised individuals and their families using intervention techniques and suicide prevention.
• Investigate and charge individuals for violations of court orders and provide supporting documentation for revocation of suspended sentences.
• Facilitate and deliver operational programs, including:
  • Adult Restorative Justice
  • Fine Option
  • Community Service Work
  • Prisoner Release
  • Electronic Supervision
  • Student Placements
  • Volunteers in Corrections

• Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of related experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Asset qualifications include a degree in the Social Sciences, experience with criminal/deviant behavior and family dynamics, and knowledge of federal and provincial legislation.
• Demonstrated sound judgement, impartiality, and solid decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork ethic, ability to function as a team member within the office and division, and ability to cultivate a network of community resources.
• Self‑directed, able to accept supervision, adhere to policy, and seek direction when necessary.
• Access to reliable transportation.

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• General Illness, Short and Long Term Disability
• Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs

• Normal work week: 35 hours per week, with occasional overtime.
• Excessive mental demands due to exposure to violence, substance use, and high‑risk behaviours.
• Physical demands associated with uncertain behaviours during community visits and interviews.
• Long periods of computer use and sustained sitting.
• Travel required for community visits, court attendance, and other duties, potentially in adverse weather.

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 13. Salary Range: $2,112.87 - $3,410.48 bi‑weekly.

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under‑represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your electronic application.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at