Probation Officer - 86th District Court

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description:

Primary functions of the job are to manage probation caseloads in order to rehabilitate probationers and reduce recidivism of adults, explain sentencing and probation requirements, monitor compliance with probation terms, and conduct pre-sentence investigations and assessments to make recommendations to the Judge. Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to successfully perform all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

This position may require irregular hours. It may also require travel by the employee in the employee’s own vehicle.

• Provides case management of individuals on probation to ensure public safety and attempt to rehabilitate probationers to reduce recidivism
• Writes dispositional reports containing necessary information to determine appropriate course of action for individuals on probation
• Investigates the background of persons awaiting sentencing on District Court convictions, including analyzing probationer’s health/employment/psychological history/emotional status and his/her potential risk factors, and other pre-sentence information to make recommendations to the Judge based on findings
• Monitors compliance with probation terms and conditions of probationers
• Prepares pre-sentence investigation reports/bench warrants and petitions
• May provide probationers with guidance and counsel on a variety of social issues and refers clients to community rehabilitation programs designed to assist those with drug, alcohol, emotional, occupational, or housing problems
• Prepares progress reports, probation violation reports and other related reports and makes recommendations for probation termination
• Participates in court related activities, including preparing documents/files for court, testifying, and performing other applicable courtroom activities
• May participate in and collaborate with a variety of committees, professional associations, boards, and/or other related groups
• May be required to administer a PBT (portable breath test) to court clients
• May analyze and prepare reports for applicable committees, Commissioners, Judges, Deputy Court Administrator and Court Administrator and processes, compiles, inputs data utilizing the applicable software within the established procedures
• May perform home visits, including breath testing and residence searches
• Actively participates in review hearings with probationers, team members and Judges

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or a related human services field
• Two years professional experience as a Probation Officer or in a related field

Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan Operators License and personal auto insurance and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s Vehicle policy

A background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to:
Confirmation of a person’s identity, review of criminal conviction records, verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position, review of Department of Motor Vehicle records, Department of Justice fingerprint scan, and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which…