Careers
Interested in a career as a Probation Officer in Westchester County? We are seeking motivated and ethical candidates to join the team to achieve our goal of protecting the community. The Westchester Probation Department hires employees only from certified Civil Service Lists established by the Personnel Department through Civil Service tests.
If however you wish to prepare for a future exam, you are welcome to peruse the job specifications below that were announced for the previous exam. These qualifications are for general information purposes only and are subject to change at the time an exam is announced.
Click on the exam title that you are interested in. The specifications will display in a new browser window. Please note that there is no guarantee that the new specifications will be the same or similar.
Internship Opportunity
Student Internships at the Westchester County Probation Department
Probation Officers perform a variety of duties related to the investigation and supervision of individuals involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. College students interested in learning about work in the field of criminal justice can apply to take part in our internship program. The program provides on-the-job training and gives interns a glimpse of the particulars of the criminal justice system through first-hand courtroom and case management experience. Student interns shadow Officers during probation reporting interviews, observe pre-sentence interviews, and accompany Officers to court proceedings. Interns also learn about the different programs offered to probationers such as diversion programs, workforce development initiatives, and educational and cognitive behavioral programs.
Intern Requirements and Qualifications
- Must be actively enrolled in an accredited university/college program.
- Must be in good standing with the university/college.
- The student must agree to a current criminal record check, which must be void of any criminal history, and sign a non-disclosure agreement.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) are preferred.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-directed and able to work independently.
- Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas.
- Must be able to complete hours during the Probation Department’s business hours, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Mondays and Fridays are typically not good days for students to intern at the Probation Department.
Interested candidates must submit an application, college transcripts, writing sample, resume with a cover letter, and one professional/academic letter of recommendation to Ana Cordero by email at . Internships should be applied for at least eight weeks in advance of the semester the student is interested in applying. Applicants will be interviewed. Please note that internships with the Department of Probation are unpaid; however, a letter can be provided for college credit as required by the
Intern FAQs
Q. What is an Internship?
A. An internship is an on-site educational experience that is either directly related to your major field of study or your career interest.
Q. What are the minimum time commitments?
A. Undergraduate Internships require a minimum commitment of 6 hrs / week for 3 months
Graduate Internships require a minimum commitment of 10 hrs / week for 3 months
Q. What are the steps necessary to become an intern?
A. Complete pre-screen (will send shortly; this can be placed on the department page)
Complete an application (will send shortly)
Attend a panel interview
Pass a background investigation
Attend an orientation
Q. When do I need to apply?
A. At least 2 months prior to when you want your internship to begin.
Q. What are the benefits of an internship?
A. Gain valuable work experience before you graduate; Develop new skills and refine others; Apply knowledge gained from coursework to real life situations; Reality-test your career options; Meet and work with professionals in the field; Experience new work environments.
Q. Do I have to be enrolled in school to complete an internship?
A. Yes.
Q. Is it paid?
A. No.
Q. Can I get academic credit for my internship?
A. Please check with your school for requirements.