About the role#
The Cook County Adult Probation Department offers a semester-long internship program for students interested in the criminal justice system. This program combines classroom instruction on department policies and court processes with practical, on-the-job training in case management and courtroom operations. This is a paid, full-time, on-site opportunity for the Fall 2026 term.
What you'll do#
- Shadow and assist an assigned probation officer.
- Interview probationers and conduct risk and needs assessments.
- Develop and complete supervision plans.
- Conduct field visits and attend court hearings.
- Prepare necessary court documents.
- Participate in classroom instruction regarding department policies and court procedures.
What you'll need#
- Current undergraduate status with at least two years of completed studies.
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a major GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Relevant majors include Criminal Justice, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, or Business Administration.
- Ability to attend a mandatory four-day orientation program and complete at least 200 hours of work.
- Required application materials: official or unofficial transcripts, résumé, cover letter, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional).
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Location & details#
- Location: Chicago, Illinois.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Employees are required to establish and maintain residency within the State of Illinois within six months of hire.
About Cook County Adult Probation
The Cook County Adult Probation Department operates as a government agency focused on the administration of justice. Based in Bridgeview, Illinois, the department provides the courts with information regarding sentencing and pretrial options. It maintains a staff of 51 to 200 employees. The organization balances enforcement with treatment strategies to support rehabilitation and public safety.
How to get in at Cook County Adult Probation
Securing an internship at the Cook County Adult Probation Department requires staying ahead of the competition. Because Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, you can apply among the first. Early applicants often get seen before the pile grows, which is a significant advantage in a government setting. You should also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company's roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the role or a referral can materially improve your response rates compared to submitting a cold application.
