Probation Agent

Position Objective

This position is open until filled. Probation Agents facilitate offender change while monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions by means of Evidence Based Practices (EBP). A Probation Agent may prepare court reports, offender risk assessments, investigations, and social histories; develop strength based case plans; supervise adult or juvenile offenders individually or in groups; prepare and deliver specific curriculum to offender groups; and/or coordinate a variety of program functions in order to provide offender and/or victim services.

Additionally, the incumbent may be assigned and/or provide consultation to peers on cases of highest complexity, provide in-service training for new staff as assigned, provide field supervision for new staff as assigned, lead projects and initiatives, lead or chair groups and projects as assigned. The position requires the capacity to address cases of significant complexity in a sensitive and supportive manner, applying technical expertise, observational skills, problem solving skills and communication skills to effectively serve the client population.

Probation Agents are assigned to work in one or more of the following areas: adult supervision, juvenile supervision, intake and assessment, or other areas as assigned.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

• Manage active case load in order to monitor compliance with court ordered conditions, providing counseling, advocacy, service coordination and assessment, achieving service plan objectives and initiating modifications as necessary to achieve stated outcomes, address client needs and maximize client functioning.
• Provide intake services, offender screening and referrals as assigned including the completion of actuarial risk assessment tools to assess and obtain relevant measures of risk.
• Conduct offender assessments as assigned, responding to reported incidents with appropriate investigatory actions including interviews and site visits, consultations with other agencies and resources ensuring appropriate intervention is taken to reduce risk of re-offending and to develop a case treatment plan to target criminogenic needs.
• Facilitate cognitive behavioral intervention programming and support change through explicit rewards and reinforcements, cognitive behavioral interventions, case planning, and appropriate referrals to achieve desired outcomes.
• Maintain a complete, accurate and up-to-date offender record and documentation including and not limited to client release(s), historical and demographic data, assessment results, service plans, goals and outcomes expected, reassessment results, outcomes achieved, referrals and resources prescribed and disposition of the case in compliance with department, state and legal standards to ensure the accurate and timely recording, retention and retrieval of files.
• Integrate treatment into the sentence, sanctions, and case planning goals of offenders.
• Employ motivation interviewing to aid offenders in constructing intrinsic reasons for behavioral change.
• Initiate transitional services for program offenders including referral to appropriate community agencies and organizations.
• Match offender services and skill development programs based on responsivity factors.
• Promote skill building by utilizing evidence based practice strategies.
• Evaluate immediate risk to public and victim, which may include crisis intervention.
• Write reports, pre- and post-dispositional, and other documents for the Court, the MN Dept. of Corrections, and other parties.
• Utilize Apprehension and Detention Orders as an Officer of the Court of the 9th Judicial District and the MN Dept. of Corrections.
• Attend court hearings and present reports and recommendations. Provide testimony as needed.
• Conduct drug screening/urinalysis of offenders.
• Consult, advise and collaborate with internal staff and external representatives including family…