Probation Assistant

Overview

Work Location: 1051 Manatee Avenue West, 5th Floor, Hensley Wing, Bradenton, Florida 34205
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $20.68 - $25.84

This classification performs a high volume of advanced administrative support to the Manatee County Government Probation Division. Work involves a variety of highly responsible and operational duties relating to ensuring regulatory compliance with Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, or policies. This confidential work is performed with moderate independence.

Note: In addition to the qualifications set forth in this job description, employees holding this position must have a background allowing them to have regular access to secured areas of certain governmental facilities. Such employees may, due to policies of the Sheriff or Chief Circuit Judge, be subject to independent background investigations which exceed those conducted by Manatee County. Employees holding this position are hereby given notice that these independent officials, or their duly authorized representatives may, based on the results of their investigation, decline to permit the employee access to secured areas of facilities under their operational control.

In the event the County is unable to fully utilize such employees in other County operations not requiring secured area access, such employees are subject to non-disciplinary separation from County employment.

Working Conditions Indoor/Outdoor environment; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 75 lbs. with assistance.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Performs various administrative duties as requested, including data entry, collecting and providing data analysis; composes and types various correspondence (letters, memoranda, minutes, notices, statements, reports, etc.).
• Answers phones and provides direction and assistance when needed.
• Assists in gathering information for probation personnel from a variety of sources (public and private social agencies, law enforcement agencies, courts, employers, etc.); prepares a variety of statistical reports relative to the operation of the Division.
• Assists in verification of social and legal history data pertaining to clients; assists clients in completing questionnaires and other documents requiring written information.
• In accordance with departmental guidelines, conducts interviews with victims and defendants, reviews law enforcement reports, conducts criminal history checks, participates in court activities, and performs these duties at times on location in the County jail.
• Assists in establishing or maintaining contact with persons or organizations in the community which may provide necessary resources for clients.
• Helps secure information from various individuals and agencies regarding conduct and progress of probationers.
• May assist in solving technical problems of clients related to housing, health care, employment, or other essential matters.
• May conduct investigations for the County and Circuit Court systems, used to determine proper treatment and eligibility for entrance into various programs supervised by the Probation Division.
• Upon assignment, may supervise Pre-Trial Intervention clients, and/or Supervised Release participants.
• Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

• Associate's degree or vocational training in criminology, law enforcement, or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in criminology, law enforcement, corrections, probation, or related field.
• Valid driver's license with valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
• Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel) required.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge, Abilities and
  
  Skills:
  
  Knowledge of investigative methods, practices, principles and procedures applicable to Probation Services; knowledge of social services programs and community resources; ability to gather and compose data, prepare reports, and maintain records; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; ability to conduct investigations pertaining to program eligibility and compliance; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to adapt hours and efforts to meet the needs of the Division;
  
  ability to work in the field and in a jail setting; ability to obtain, monitor and test probationer urine samples; ability to interact with clients in a positive, professional manner; ability to maintain confidentiality and apply good judgment, firmness and tact; ability to perform under stressful conditions; ability to react to challenging or dangerous situations; ability to read, understand, analyze and…