Probation Intern (non-paid)

San Mateo County Probation Department - Internship Program

For more information contact Internship Coordinator Bridget Love EdD at:
or

Important Dates: Application Deadline: Friday December 19 2025
Application Review: December 22 2025 - January 2 2026
Interviews: January 13 - 15 2026(Tentative)

The San Mateo County Probation Department has a challenging opportunity for a college juniors and seniors who are interested in making an impact on their community while gaining valuable on-the-job training and experience in a criminal justice environment.

Positions are non-paid. Academic credit can be provided for students applying for an internship position for units at any college university certification program work-study or cooperative education program.

Interns must work 9-10 months with a minimum of eight hours per week. After three months a mid-point evaluation will be conducted. With satisfactory performance at that time interns may continue for the remainder of the internship which concludes at the end of the calendar year.

Positions may be available at the following locations:

As a Probation Intern you will assist with the duties of both the Deputy Probation Officer and/or the Legal Office.

Deputy Probation Officer

• Generate legal and official documents for dissemination to criminal court defendants and cooperating agencies.
• Assist in interviewing and documenting assessments of defendants to determine appropriate supervision.
• Perform routine fieldwork assistance with officers visiting treatment providers and conducting home visits (participation requires mandatory training).
• Conduct research data collection and administrative tasks to support probation officers in managing their caseloads.
• Assists in preparation and presentation of preliminary and final materials.
• Maintains data and systems for budget tracking reporting and generate reports.
• Interview adults juveniles their families and other relevant individuals to assess the nature of marital domestic employment financial environmental or other difficulties.
• Formulate probation plans and present recommendations to supervisors and the court.
• Recommend and establish payment schedules for restitutions and fines; evaluate restitution claims submitted by victims and assess probationers ability to pay.
• Explain procedures rights and responsibilities to probationers.
• Supervise the welfare and conduct of adults on probation and juveniles under Juvenile Court jurisdiction assisting them in complying with court orders.
• Identify treatment educational employment or other programs needed by the probationer; make referrals and follow up to verify and evaluate services received.
• Take necessary legal steps to report probationer noncompliance; initiate court processes when probation terms are violated.
• Consult with professionals in law enforcement medicine religion law and mental health.
• Cooperate with representatives from state and local welfare school and law enforcement agencies.

Legal Office

• Research and compile a variety of informational materials from sources both inside and outside the office to which assigned.
• Type drafts and a variety of finished documents from notes meeting minutes instructions or printed materials; transcribe dictation from tapes; use word processing software and data management systems to prepare reports.

• Organize and maintain various departmental files; purge files as requested.
• Follow up on projects transmit information and stay informed of unit activities.
• Prepare agendas and summarize meeting results as required.
• Organize own work set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain office supplies inventory.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Answer and transfer department phone calls as needed.

• Organize own work set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain Office supplies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Answer department phone calls and transfer phone calls when needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a current college junior or senior
• Must be able to verify U.S. citizenship or legal residence
• Must not be on any formal informal or DMV probation
• Must not have a felony conviction
• No pending criminal matters
• Must not have any illegal substance use within the last three years
• Must be able to pass a standard background and fingerprint investigation

Desired Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern principles of organization and record keeping.
• Knowledge of basic Microsoft Windows programs and applications (i.e. Word Excel PowerPoint).
• English reading writing and speaking skills equivalent to a high school graduate.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to adhere to safety precautions and protocol listen and obey direct orders from superiors especially when in non-routine situations.
• Ability to adhere to Department policies and criminal laws regarding confidentiality and privacy of highly sensitive information.
• Ability to speak read and write a second language (i.e. Spanish) desired but not required.

To apply for an internship with the San Mateo County Probation Department please follow these steps:

1. Visit the online application packet to complete your application and supplemental questions.

1. Send the following documents to with the subject line: Full NameInternshipProgram2026.

• A current resume
• An unofficial copy of your academic transcript

Selection Process: Applicants who enrolled in Criminal Justice Sociology Psychology and Public Administration will be given priority to internship opportunities. Finalists must complete and pass a background investigation before beginning the internship.