The 21st judicial district of Kansas consists of both Clay and Riley Counties, and is responsible for operation all adult probation and parole services in the region. The largest city and County Seat in Riley County is Manhattan and is the only major population center in the area as the rest of Riley County is largely rural in nature. Clay County has a larger population base and includes the cities of Clay Center and Junction City. The rest of Clay County, much like Riley County, is largely rural and includes many unincorporated areas. When total population is taken into account, the 21st judicial district is one of the largest probation and parole service providers in the state of Kansas.
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How to Become a Probation Officer in Clay and Riley Counties: Basic Requirements
In applying for a job with the 21st judicial district, applicants should first review the basic requirements for the position. Requirements include education, experience and a host of other criteria. Any applicants who do not meet the following requirements will not be considered for a probation officer position in Clay and Riley Counties. The basic requirements are as follows:
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must be a resident of the state of Kansas
- Must have a criminal record free of major misdemeanors, felonies and any charges involving assault, perjury or obstruction of justice, amongst various other charges
- Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, as recognized by the state of Kansas
Preferential Qualifications and Experience
Along with the above qualifications and requirements, applicants are given preference over other applicants if they have a bachelor’s degree in counseling, criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, social work or a field of study that is closely related to one of the ones mentioned.
Applicants are also given preference if they have had two years of experience in the last five years if they have ever worked, volunteered or did an internship in counseling, performing intensive interviews, filing formal reports, office administration, working with social work organizations, making referrals to human services providers or working with people that have substance abuse or mental health problems.
Training and Certification
In order to obtain a career with the 21st judicial district of Kansas as a probation and parole officer, recruits must complete training and receive their certification from the Kansas Association of Court Services Officers.
During the first year of employment, probation and parole officers in Riley and Clay Counties must complete 2 ½ days of training, which includes how to testify in court, how to make arrests and how to conduct probation investigations, among many other subjects.