Chief Probation Officer - Office of the Commissioner of Probation

Official Title: Chief Probation Officer - the Office of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP)

Pay Grade: Chief Probation Officer

Salary Range: CPO Entry Level Pay $113,264.06 to Pay Range Maximum $167,038.04

Starting Pay: $113,264.06

Salary Notes: This position is designated as Management. Starting Salary will be based on a review of qualifications and experience.

Departmental Mission Statement: Protecting and Building Safer, Healthier, Stronger Communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-probation-service

Notes: 

• Candidates must have taken and passed the 2026 CPO promotional exam to be eligible to apply to the position of Chief Probation Officer, unless you are a current Chief Probation Officer with the Massachusetts Probation Service.
• This position is designated management. 
• All candidates must upload a resume to your profile during the application process to be considered.

Position Summary: This Chief Probation Officer (CPO) position serves the Office of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP) and is responsible for the management of a number of projects related to the Massachusetts Probation Service and supporting the management and operations of the MPS and local probation offices. Under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Probation and their designee, the CPO will at times be responsible for the oversight and supervision of probation personnel through direct management at local probation offices. The CPO will also be responsible for operational analysis assignments, policy development assignments, project management assignments, continuous quality improvement work, and ongoing communication within the Field Services Division. The CPO is responsible for supporting probation personnel and helping them comply with existing statutes, best practices, evidence-based practices, as well as with all Probation and Trial Court policies and procedures. The CPO shall perform or participate in a variety of administrative functions. Regular court visits and contact with field staff shall occur at the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Field Services.

Duties: Under the supervision of the Commissioner of Probation or his designee, the Chief Probation Officer makes decisions regarding:

Community Supervision

• Collaborates with community organizations and agencies to promote crime and delinquency prevention and remediation.
• Represents the court as requested on probation-related matters.

Management

• Manages all employees in the Probation Office, serving as the Department Head responsible for designating work assignments, monitoring the completion of those assignments, and taking corrective action as necessary including progressive discipline when necessary if employee conduct does not meet expectations.
• Upholds the Probation Service philosophy and goals of supervision and service to accomplish effective and efficient management of supervision and service delivery practices.
• Develops and implements operational and organizational policies consistent with the Office of the Commissioner of Probation and Trial Court policies.
  
  
• Develops and implements policies pertaining to personnel, practices and procedures within the probation department consistent with collective bargaining agreements.
• Adopts methods for effective use of staff and improved programs and practices through the development of special skills, training, supervision, and service delivery techniques.
• Modifies and adapts services and programs, and develops new approaches to meet the changing needs of the court consistent with the Office of the Commissioner of Probation and Trial Court policies.
• Conducts regular staff meetings to disseminate information and discuss matters relevant to probation office operations.
• Identifies local training needs of probation personnel.
• Informs the Commissioner of Probation or his designee of any allegations of criminal conduct by probation personnel and any intended disciplinary action against probation personnel.
  
  

Administrative

• Monitors and controls the flow of work in the probation office and provides statistical data as directed by the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.

• Maintains accurate attendance, daily time logs, weekly time and attendance sheets, and reconciles the HRCMS time log with the Office of the Commissioner of Probation records.

• Authorizes encumbrances and payments of invoices at the direction of the Commissioner of Probation or his designee.

• Maintains a current inventory of all office supplies, forms and equipment.

• Performs such other duties as may be assigned by the Commissioner of Probation or his designee in accordance with guidelines, policies and standards of the Massachusetts Probation Service.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to prove proficiency in the following competencies:

Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Probation Service and the Trial Court.

Mission and Vision Understands, upholds, and communicates the stated organizational mission and vision.

Self-Awareness Understands the need for professional development and is willing to adapt and advance professionally.

Team Building (Motivating Others) Fosters a sense of shared goals and accountabilities through the development of positive relationships in order to promote a healthy and productive work environment.

Collaboration Demonstrates flexibility and openness to modifications and adaptations suitable to the situation; is receptive to diverse ideas and opinions without being unduly judgmental.

Strategic Thinking and Planning Utilizes the best available information to successfully achieve positive future outcomes on an organizational and local level.

Performance Measurement (Individual and EBP) Understands the value and importance of performance measures as a basis for both individual and departmental assessments.

Influence Understands the appropriate use of advocacy and persuasion in order to effectuate positive change and growth within the organization.

Managing External Environment Creates and promotes cooperative partnerships with other agencies in Probation's sphere of operations; develops strategies to promote partnerships and team building.

Continuous Learning Is committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself.

Minimum Requirements: All applicants must pass the applicable Probation Promotional Exam and the Assessment for the position of Chief Probation Officer, and satisfy the following minimum requirements:

Education and Experience:
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the probation service as an Assistant Chief Probation Officer or equivalent/higher position in Probation Services. Graduate degree in behavioral sciences, education, administration, management, or criminal justice is preferred.

Management background: Supervisory training and/or experience preferred.

Professional Development: Must have a record of regular participation in professional development opportunities.