Parole​/Probation Officer

About the Job

Performs professional correctional casework in supervising and managing adult misdemeanor and felony offenders. Provides supervisory and investigative services to offenders placed under supervision by releasing authorities, e.g. Courts, Board of Par parole and Post-Prison Supervision, Interstate Compact, Local Supervisory Authority. Conducts criminogenic risk assessments and develops corresponding case plans for supervision in addition to making referrals to programs to enhance client opportunities for rehabilitation.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bachelor’s degree in criminology, psychology, sociology, or closely related field; or any equivalent combination of experience, education and training. Must be a U.S. citizen; must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license and a good driving record. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation and medical examination.

Must meet qualifications and obtain a Parole/Probation Basic Certification from the Department of Public Safety and Standards within 18 months of hire. Must be eligible to obtain Law Enforcement Data System Certification within three months of hire. Must meet minimum standards established by OAR  as a Law Enforcement Officer.

• This position may be eligible for differential pay to those with additional DPSST certifications
• Qualified applicants may be eligible for 5% bilingual differential pay

Polk County takes pride in knowing that our employees are what makes the County a great place to work. We have a strong desire for each employee to feel respected; connected to the department they work for as well as other County departments and the community at large; and know that they are critical to County business. We understand that work may be necessary, but not what should define each individual.

We all have diverse personalities and interests away from the job, and at Polk County we encourage our employees to be connected to something bigger than work.

Polk County offers generous employee benefits including, but not limited to:

• 11 paid holidays per year
• 8 hours of vacation earned monthly with increases every 5 years
• 8 hours of sick leave earned monthly
• 4-5 Personal Leave Days earned each fiscal year (Depends on position; prorated depending on date of hire)
• PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) - 100% employer funded contributions
• Full health benefits for the employee and qualified family members with the employee paying only 10% of the premium
• Basic life Insurance - employer paid
• Optional benefits such as additional life insurance, short term disability, deferred compensation savings program and flexible spending accounts for unreimbursed medical and dependent care expenses
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Polk County is located in the Willamette Valley just an hour from the Pacific Coast to the west and an hour from Portland to the north. The population is approximately 87,000 and the area spans about 744 square miles, with two thirds of the western part of the county being forest. National protected areas include the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Siuslaw National Forest.

The County is part of the agricultural richness the Willamette Valley has to offer. In recent decades, the valley has also become a major wine producer, with Polk County being one of the best in the area. The valley is often known as the “Oregon Wine Country.” Polk County has over 25 wineries alone.

Polk County also houses the beautiful liberal arts college, Western Oregon University (WOU), and is only 30 miles from Oregon State University. WOU was an inaugural winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award. This award recognizes universities and colleges that have demonstrated the highest level of commitment and action towards fostering a campus community that celebrates all the many facets of diversity.

WOU is one of the most diverse universities in Oregon and has a higher percentage of Latino students in the Oregon University system.

Please refer to the Class Specification for the full job description and minimum experience, education and training requirements for this position.

A cover letter is required. If you are a military veteran and want to apply for Veterans' Hiring Preference, you must attach your DD-214/215 and/or disability letter and complete the Veteran’s Preference Form.

DO NOT ATTACH ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS (transcripts, letters of recommendation, certificates, etc.) They will not be considered at the application stage. You may bring them to the interview if you are selected to interview.