Probation-Probation Officer Trainee

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

Open: January 6, 2026 Close: When Filled
Job Title: Probation Officer Trainee Department: Probation
Reports To: director Hours: 40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time
Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits Requisition: 835

• Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Probation Director and/or Lead Probation Officer. The Probation Officer Trainee is responsible assisting and gaining the ability to perform professional probation work including adult and juvenile probation counseling, intake, and casework services, monitoring compliance with the conditions of probation, Youth Diversion and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) Petitions and working with victims of crimes when necessary. Develops and implements procedures for juvenile justice, and domestic violence cases and other issues as they arise.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
***During the twelve-month probationary period, assists in and gains the ability to perform the following duties:

1. Develops and maintains general probation services manual in cooperation with Tribal Justice Services, and works with Community Domestic Violence Advocacy Program, Juvenile Justice Services, and assists in updating the Tribal Domestic Violence and Juvenile Justice Codes.
2. Receives, screens, and conducts preliminary investigations on cases referred by the Court, prepares pre-sentence investigation reports to the Court, with victim impact statements, when applicable, and recommends disposition of cases to the judge when ordered by the Court.
3. Counsels and supervises juveniles placed on probation by the court; supervise juveniles in the Youth Diversion Program and Child in Need of Services matters; supervises deferred prosecution and pre-trial release; and works with clients and parents to create home, school, work, and recreational relationships for social readjustment, under the guidance of the Probation Director.
4. Recommends probation alternatives to the Court and prosecutor and gives information community service, and provides the information to the Court, prosecutor and public defender, when represented and notifies the Court of non-compliance.
5. Assist probationers as needed with skills, training, education, referrals, and counsels’ offenders regarding employment, vocational education and social adjustment, to help them successfully complete their conditions of probation.
6. Monitors compliance with all the conditions of probation as ordered by the Court, writes Motions to Show Cause or violation of Probation Reports, testifies in Court, appears in Court to provide updates on probationer’s behavior and compliance, and provides Court with written documentation when necessary.
7. Assists Puyallup Tribal Police when executing warrants for probationers; if called by dispatch when officers need assistance with a probationer; and request current NCIC reports for probationers.
8. Works with and assists Washington State Department of Corrections, Pierce County Juvenile Court or the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration regarding probationers within both jurisdictions; and cooperates with other jurisdictions on violations of probation or parole.
9. Meet with Chief Leschi School officials as necessary to inform them of Probation and Youth Diversion conditions of students and to visit probationers at school and obtain attendance records and report card information.
10. Assists Chief Leschi Schools with arrangement for alternative educational programs for juveniles who are not able to function in regular school programs and monitors progress.
11. Requests and secures urine samples or breath tests using alco-sensor test machine to ascertain if a probationer is using substances or consuming alcohol. Interprets test results.
12. Make written referrals to treatment providers and fax copies of the judgment and sentencing order and releases of information on each probationer referred for services.
13. Provides referrals to assigned juveniles and adults placed on probation, provides access to family counseling, and works with clients and parents to create home, school, work and recreational relationships for social readjustment.
14. Maintains frequent contact and correspondence with court, community agencies, and probationers, to monitor probationer’s compliance with the court order, attends case conferences and maintains accurate log of all contacts relative to case.
15. Maintains accurate data base on all assigned probationers, those agreeing to a deferred prosecution, and those discharged from probation, gathering information as needed for compliance with grant objectives.
16. Prepares statistical information as needed regarding the probationer’s serviced by the probation department.
17. Initiate contact and maintain the Tribe’s best interest when meeting with State, County, Tribal and Federal agencies.
18. Initiate and pursue probation transfers from all jurisdictions requesting transfers of probation supervision for tribal members and others residing in Tribal jurisdiction, asserting Tribal sovereignty.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications and Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
High school diploma or GED required. Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and two-years’ experience working in the criminal justice or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel. Must have knowledge of the Tribal justice or equivalent system, and/or criminal justice case management software. Must be willing to attend and successfully complete the Tribal Probation Academy.

After acceptable completion of the Tribal Probation Academy and an anticipated one-year Trainee period that will be based upon previous skills and experience will determine the length of the trainee period. (which begins at the end of the 90-day probation period and may continue for one calendar year depending on previous skills and experience when hired), employee will become a Probation Officer and will be moved to the Grade of the Probation Officer.

Language Skills
Employee must demonstrate the ability to interact tactfully and positively with confrontational people and situations, Tribal members, all levels of staff and management. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common professional journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff and regulatory agencies. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions and perform counseling, court testimony and report preparation. Ability to effectively present information to management, employees and groups of people.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Licenses or Certificates
Valid Washington State drivers license and proof of insurance.
Completion of Tribal Probation Academy will be required after hire.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level is moderate.
• The physical exertion is low to moderate.
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• There are frequent employee contacts and interruptions during the day.
• Requires occasional travel using employee’s own transportation.
• Employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Position may be stressful at times due to the sensitive or confidential issues being addressed.
• Employee may be exposed to angry, hostile, or intoxicated individuals.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law

Online Application Tips:
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2. Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.
3. Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.
4. Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov
5. To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page.
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7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.

• Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.

If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863
or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.
3009 E. Portland Ave., Tacoma, WA 98404

Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.