Adult Probation Department

 Intern/Extern Application 

What is an Adult Probation Department college internship?

The Adult Probation Department offers an internship program for college students interested in learning about work in the criminal justice system. The semester-long program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The program offers practical, first-hand courtroom and case management experience.

Classroom instruction provides overviews of department policies and procedures and of court processes. On-the-job training consists of working with an assigned probation officer to observe as well as perform job duties which include interviewing probationers, scoring risks and needs assessments, completing supervision plans, conducting field visits, attending court hearings and preparing court documents.

What time commitments are required?

Interns must attend a four-day orientation program, work a minimum of two full days per week, and complete a minimum of 200 hours or meet their school's internship requirement.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the internship program, undergraduate students must have completed two years of studies and have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 and a grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in their major.

Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include college transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample (to evaluate writing skills), and two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting. Applicants are also subject to criminal background checks.

How does the application process start?

After securing permission to seek placement from their college’s internship coordinator, applicants forward all requested materials to the Adult Probation Department’s Internship Coordinator. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed, and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection. 

When are the application deadlines?

All applications should be submitted by 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester, quarter, or summer term for which admission is sought.

What are the required documents? 

1. Department Internship application
2. Résumé and cover letter
3. Official or Unofficial college transcripts
4. Writing sample (to evaluate writing skills) This sample may include a final/midterm paper submitted for class covering a topic of your choice.
5. Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting).

For questions, contact:

If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program, you may contact us via email at [email protected]

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY- OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE and ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

1. Employee are required to establish and maintain residency with the State of Illinois within six(6) months of hire.
2. The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s line of work.