SENIOR PAROLE COUNSELOR STATE PAROLE BOARD
New Jersey treats Senior Parole Counselor State Parole Board as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The spec names a master's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. The FY2027 range lands between $66,592 and $97,354, and state payroll currently lists about 13 people in the title, most of them at State Parole Board.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
State Parole Board's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 13 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $79,201. The agencies employing the most are:
- State Parole Board (13)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the limited supervision of a Principal Parole Counselor, State Parole Board or other supervisory officer, reviews and maintains inmate case files, calculates parole eligibility dates, and schedules parole hearings for state inmates housed in state and county correctional facilities; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Provides guidance and instruction to Parole Counselor Apprentices. As required, provides liaison between the State Parole Board and the Department of Corrections, and provides assistance to the Institutional Release Committee. Performs complex mathematical calculations to determine parole eligibility dates for an assigned caseload of inmates; provides inmates their actual parole eligibility dates within 90 days of their admission to the State Prison. Reviews weekly computer-generated lists to determine which inmates are eligible for parole consideration and submits the names of eligible persons for publication to each County Prosecutor's office for review. Coordinates the Initial Parole Hearing process; certifies pre- parole packages for accuracy and completeness, schedules hearings and provides supportive services to the Hearing Officer. Provides assistance to the Board Panel prior to and during panel hearings; prepares case files and other relevant materials, verifies that all pre-hearing processes have been completed, ensures that recording equipment is operational, and that the panel hearing proceeds according to state and agency rules and regulations. Conducts interviews at various stages of the parole process to provide information to inmates who may be eligible for parole; provides advice and assistance to inmates concerning parole eligibility and parole plans. Reviews and responds to inmate correspondence regarding the parole process. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information. Knowledge of interview techniques. Knowledge of correction and parole methods and practices. Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations. Ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations, and procedures and apply them to specific situations. Ability to review, analyze, and interpret material or complex parole cases for preparation of reports and evaluations. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program. Ability to evaluate complex individual cases and identify problem areas. Ability to communicate with inmate populations. Ability to prepare correspondence and reports. Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it may cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in the field of criminal justice, social work, or related areas. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in penology, sociology, criminal justice, or social work; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.