Probation Officer

This position description sets out the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, details the knowledge, abilities, skills, licenses, certifications, education, and experience necessary to be successful in the role, and lists the equipment normally operated by, scope of supervision, and usual physical demands on the incumbent.

The Probation Officer serves in the Probation Services Department and reports to the Probation Services Supervisor.

The Probation Officer is responsible for investigating and supervising defendants/offenders referred by the court for basic supervision.

The essential duties and responsibilities of the position are as follows:

• Supervises and monitors offenders granted basic supervision by the court to ensure compliance with supervision terms and conditions, including court ordered financial obligations.
• Prepares case plans and sets goals for offenders in accordance with conditions set by the court. Identifies offender needs and makes referrals for assessment to the court, mental health, substance abuse, and/or other appropriate programs or persons for assistance.
• Testifies in court and makes recommendations. Attends revocation/violation, status, and other court hearings to provide input pertaining to the offender’s supervision.
• Maintains records and documentation to record changes in address, employment, and other matters.
• Processes offenders onto supervision in accordance with accreditation standards by completing appropriate forms and documents.
• Collects urine samples and conducts breathalyzer tests.
• Collects DNA samples from felony and selected misdemeanor offenders using a buccal swab collector.
• Conducts searches and seizures for contraband or stolen property, and makes arrests when offender is in violation of supervision terms and conditions. Facilitates and/or prepares necessary documentation for the detention and/or arrest of the probationer.
• Compiles statistical data reflecting number of offenders on supervision, terminations, warrants issued, transfers, and other information to assess day-to-day functioning of programs.
• Obtains certification in approved risk assessment tool (ORAS) and conducts assessments in a timely manner.
• Obtain and maintain Practitioner Certification through the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).
• Participates in training opportunities, court activities, projects, and committees as requested or required.
• Completes other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of: counseling; chemical dependency; social work; corrections;
  Ohio Revised Code as it pertains to probation functions; court system procedures and processes; criminal justice system; community social service agencies and resources; universal precautions for control of blood-borne pathogens; criminal justice services policies and procedures.
• Ability to: establish rapport with probationers of various social and economic backgrounds; establish case priorities; perform under stress when confronted with an emergency, critical, unusual, or dangerous situation; work with resistant clients; physically make an arrest; participate in training to properly utilize a conducted energy weapon (Taser) and pepper spray; participate in a physical examination that includes an agility evaluation.
• Skill in: interviewing offenders/defendants, victims, and others; completing statistical and essay reports; data input; operation of a computer; application of job software programs; evidence-based safety; analyzing data; preparing behavior modification programs; listening.

All court employees are expected to stay current in their areas of technical expertise; maintain attention to detail; exhibit good organizational skills; work effectively on own initiative and by cooperating with others; engage in active listening; speak and write clearly and concisely; demonstrate good manners, friendly demeanor, and professional behavior; uphold the policies, procedures, and practices of the court; maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information;

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