Probation Officer

Position Summary

The Probation Officer is responsible for conducting office and field investigations, preparing pre-sentence reports, counseling and giving casework supervision to adult probationers, preparing records and reports, implementing alternative sentencing options, and for performing related work as required by the 72nd District Court Judges and Chief Probation Officer. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform pre-sentence investigations and prepare reports of adult law violators.
• Conduct investigations of home background, criminal records, health, mental capacity, aptitude, financial resources and facts about the present offense.
• Prepare recommendations of the desirability of probation, and in cases involving restitution, the amount that the defendant is expected to pay.
• Supervise and give guidance to adult probationers by reviewing budgets, vocational plans and by personal counseling.
• May assist the probationer in obtaining work, making various family adjustments and other counseling.
• Report violations of probation.
• Prepare and maintain accurate case histories, records, reports and related materials.
• Assign and supervise the work of subordinate employees.
• Prepare alcohol/substance abuse assessments reports for the court in compliance with standards established by the Office of Substance Abuse Services.
• Obtain non-profit work sites throughout the County for alternative sentencing placements.
• Promote and maintain a positive image of the Court and programs in the community.
• Work non-traditional hours as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Probation Officer.

N/A

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or Social Work.
• A minimum of one year of court or law enforcement experience is required.
• LEIN Certified preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of the behavioral sciences.
• Knowledge of investigative methods.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing adult probation work.
• Ability to work with and gain the cooperation of persons with anti-social tendencies.
• Ability to counsel individuals and families in social and economic planning.
• Ability to evaluate cases of adult law violators.
• Ability to work effectively with the public, other employees and police agencies.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs of the court, including alcohol and substance abuse screening and assessment; community service supervision; alternative sentencing and computerization.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with…