Adult Probation Officer

Probation Officer I Position

A Probation Officer I position is responsible for performing routine professional social service and law enforcement duties in a county probation and parole system. A Probation Officer I supervises adults on accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD), probation, parole, intermediate punishment (IP), and bail, or who are otherwise subject to the authority of the Court. This position investigates, advises and counsels individuals on supervision to foster their personal, social and economic adjustment in the community.

Work involves the counseling and supervision of individuals, completion of presentence investigation reports, and investigations of pre-parole plans. When needed, a Probation Officer will investigate and take appropriate action concerning violations of conditions of supervision including new crimes and unacceptable behavior and provides representation of the Department at Court Hearings concerning alleged violations. Work is reviewed in progress through observing the employee in action, through conferences, and upon completion, through the review of reports and recommendations.

Probation Officers are peace officers under state law and are trained in the use of firearms and are prepared to apprehend and arrest violators. Although law and well-defined procedures regulate the required work, this position involves decision making directly affecting the public safety and personal liberties of individuals.

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related human services field; or

A Master's degree or satisfactory completion of one(1) year of graduate study from an accredited college or university(at least 24 credits) in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field; or

One (1) year as a probation officer aide working towards a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field and qualification in accordance with the Exceptional Person procedure.

Special Requirements:

• Child Abuse History Certification and Act 34 (Criminal History) clearances
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Pre-employment physical
• Pre-employment psychological evaluation
• Note:
  
  This position is subject to random drug testing.

Employment Standards:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the knowledge and ability to apply casework principles and practices and interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, legal codes, court procedures and executive orders affecting adult probation practices. Also, some knowledge is needed of criminology, penology and the structure and functions of the components of the judicial system; human behavior and the ability to distinguish between normal and dysfunctional behavior/ personality;

community resources and the ability to determine appropriate resources for assessment and treatment of physical, mental, and social disorders; operation of a personal computer, basic software programs and other office equipment; drugs, addiction and drug testing methods. Ability is required to positively and effectively influence offenders; to maintain cooperative and positive work relationships both internally with co-workers and externally with other agencies;

to function independently and manage one's time effectively; to gather and analyze facts and consider all outcomes before decisions or recommendations are made; to speak and understand the English language; to orally and in writing present ideas, thoughts, facts, logically and clearly in a concise manner utilizing appropriate language skills and grammar; to listen and combine pieces of information to form general conclusions or identify problems;

to maintain confidentiality in regard to offender information and records. The willingness and ability to travel as needed to perform all job-related functions. The willingness and ability to be trained in the use of firearms and to be certified to carry a firearm.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inform adult offenders of conditions of probation such as office visits, costs, fines and restitution payments, educational, treatment and employment stipulations.
• Counsel offenders and provide supportive services to help offenders with their personal, social and economic adjustment to the community. Discuss with offenders how issues such as anger and addiction play roles in delinquent behavior.
• Arrange for social assistance and other post release services such as employment, housing, education, and counseling.
• Arrange for medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs and/or court orders and maintain working relationships with those agencies.
• Develop case plans for assigned adult offenders establishing goals and objectives based on risk and needs.
• Evaluate their progress in…