What are the responsibilities and job description for the INTERN - SPRING 2027 - Misdemeanor Probation position at Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (FL)?
Go beyond the classroom and experience the criminal justice system in action.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Misdemeanor Probation Intern to join our Judicial Operations Bureau. This internship offers the opportunity to gain firsthand experience with the day-to-day operations of misdemeanor probation while working alongside experienced probation professionals. You will assist with probationer check-ins, compliance monitoring, court-related documentation, community service tracking, drug-testing operations, and other activities that support the successful supervision of individuals ordered to probation.
The ideal candidate is a motivated student with an interest in criminal justice, the courts, or community supervision who is eager to learn and gain practical experience in a professional environment. They have strong communication and organizational skills, pay attention to detail, and are comfortable interacting with diverse populations. Through observation and hands-on participation, you'll gain valuable insight into probationer supervision, court proceedings, case documentation, community resources, and the role misdemeanor probation plays within the criminal justice system.
This internship provides an opportunity to develop professional skills while seeing how probation professionals balance accountability, court requirements, and community-based supervision. You may observe probationer interviews, accompany staff to court proceedings, participate in training, and assist with increasingly responsible assignments as your knowledge and proficiency grow.
Ready to see where the classroom meets the courtroom? Gain firsthand experience and a new perspective on the criminal justice system with PCSO.
Required Application Documents: As part of the online application, applicants must upload verification of current enrollment, documentation confirming eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship, and contact information for their school internship liaison.
Under the supervision of the Bureau designee, the Intern will provide specific functions related to assigned location of internship. The Intern can expect an increasing amount of responsibility related to internship, while gaining professional work experience and firsthand involvement with services that support the law enforcement community. The Intern observes and learns as the Misdemeanor Probation Specialist carry out the following:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help prepare materials for probationer check-ins, such as printing court orders, tracking monthly reporting requirements, and compiling lists of delinquent probationers.
- Perform general clerical work, answer phones, greet visitors, file paperwork, enter data, upload information and run basic database queries.
- Observe or shadow interviews with probationers and take notes on compliance discussions, referrals to community resources, and progress updates.
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
- Assist with the cashier window by explaining basic payment procedures, providing receipts, and directing probationers to appropriate resources or facility locations.
- Coordinate with community service sites and partners to confirm placement, hours worked, and any compliance issues with probationers.
- Track and verify community service hours submitted by probationers, including reviewing documentation, entering hours into the system, and following up on completion statuses.
- Accompany probation staff to court hearings to learn about violation of probation proceedings, sentencing, and compliance reviews.
- Prepare and organize court-related documents, such as compliance reports, violation notices, and files for probationers appearing in court.
- Support lab operations by helping with intake paperwork, scheduling random drug screens, and organizing testing supplies and records.
- Assist with logging observed collections, labeling samples, and entering test results into the case management system under strict supervision.
- Assist in preparing basic probationer status reports for supervisors and/or Specialists.
- Assists with authoring affidavits and warrants under the direct supervision and guidance of a specialist or a supervisor.
- Currently enrolled in bachelor’s or master’s level program
- Minimum 2.5 G.P.A.
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Strong writing and interpersonal skills
- Excellent computer skills
- Ability to work independently or part of a team
- Flexibility and ability to multi-task
The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical work day to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Interns in this position may be required to:
- Sit up to 8 hours per day
- Stand up to 1 hours per day
- Walk up to 1 hours per day
- Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.
- Occasionally bend, reach, or twist
This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary.