Probation Officer ; Juvenile Probation Department

Job Title

This position enforces the orders of the Berks County Courts, performing a variety of tasks in order to supervise offenders on probation, parole, probation with restrictive conditions, or participating in the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program.

Starting Rate:
New Hire starting rate - $29.65 per hour

Schedule:

35 hours per week

Position responsibilities include supervising offenders through a variety of contacts including office, home, field, employment, etc. Maintain collateral contacts with family, employers, victims, or pertinent others regarding the offender. Contacts generally made during regular office and non-traditional hours.

Document all case-related contacts and generate reports, when necessary, in a timely fashion. Complete all other necessary paperwork as required and maintain progress reports on offenders.

Accurately assess risk and needs and develop case plans that address needs while providing supervision at a level commensurate with risk.

Refer offenders to treatment agencies as needed, become familiar with and maintain professional relationships with other agencies.

Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to assist those under supervision to explore and resolve ambivalence and to increase motivation for change.

Utilize cognitive-behavioral group and individual interventions such as role plays and modeling to change behavior and build skills.

Reward positive behavior as appropriate and address negative behavior through graduated responses.

Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to provide services to those under supervision and their families.

Hold offenders accountable by monitoring drug testing results, participation with treatment, community service, compliance with electronic monitoring, and any other court-ordered obligations. Issue warrants and assist with arrests of those in violation of the Court's order.

Represent the department in Court by presenting information and formally testifying when necessary.

Participate in the apprehension and transportation of offenders not complying with the terms of their supervision, if trained to do so.

Meet County Adult Probation & Parole Advisory Committee standards of 40 hours of training annually and assist in the development of new officers through mentoring.

Provide intake services for newly sentenced offenders. Complete pre-sentencing reports as ordered by the Courts and calculate and submit sentencing guidelines as required by statute.

Conduct thorough and appropriate parole plans based on an offender's risks and needs.

Represent the probation office in the community through public speaking engagements.

Minimum education and experience includes a high school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency. A bachelor's degree with at least 18 credits in behavioral or social science is also required. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable. Valid state-issued driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and access to a vehicle for employment purposes are also required.

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities include working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of investigation, supervision, and reporting in probation/parole work. Familiarity with evidence-based practices and motivational interviewing techniques is also required. Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written expressions in a clear and concise manner is necessary. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships is also required.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior pertains to criminal behavior, social dynamics, relationships, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol issues is necessary. Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when acting in the best interest of the community and the offender is required. Skill in the operation of computer software applications is preferred. Ability to converse in Spanish is not essential for all probation officers, but preferred for those designated as having a Spanish-speaking caseload.

Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours is required. Ability to complete Control Tactics and TASER training and assist, when necessary, in the physical control of subjects that may be uncooperative, resistant, and/or combative is required. Ability to complete firearms training and achieve and maintain certification to carry a firearm is required. Ability to handle stress is required.

Physical presence in the office is required.

Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less. Physical ability to assist, when necessary, in the…