Probation Officer

Under general supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in probation and other community supervision services. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist the probationer to solve problems and to make necessary adjustments to reduce law-violating behavior. Supervision of the defendant's conduct in the community and adherence to court-ordered conditions is also integral to the position. Officers also serve investigatory functions and submit reports to the court regarding defendant social and criminal histories.

Work requires the use of independent judgment, initiative, and familiarity with standards, policies, and functions of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Hours of Work

• Varies by unit
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned
• May be required to be on-call during conventional and non-conventional (evening/weekends) hours

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of, and proficient use of, Core Correctional Practices and other evidence-based practices and tools such as: risk assessments, motivational interviewing, targeted interventions, positive reinforcement, outcome measures, and feedback
• Provides meaningful interaction and interventions with the client
• Can involve facilitation (group or individual) of evidence-based services to clients
• Responds to emergency situations that arise for client crisis intervention and provides appropriate follow-up services
• Appears in court to provide oral reports or testimony on assigned defendants and/or probationers (e.g., bond hearings, status hearings, sentencing hearings, trials, etc.)
• Keeps complete, timely, and accurate records, reports, logs, and case files on each probationer
• Makes referrals for supportive services and maintains contact with agency for the duration of the service
• Completes reports filed with the court, such as Bond Reports, Risk Assessments, IPS, and Problem-Solving Court Assessments, Status Reports, Criminal History Reports, Limited Inquiries, or as assigned or ordered by the court
• Completes comprehensive Probation and Compliance Intakes and/or Pretrial Orientations
• Maintains LEADS certifications as required
• Conducts urinalysis and breathalyzer testing
• Monitors defendant’s compliance with court-ordered conditions
• Processes requests for Petitions for Revocation per policy on clients
• Imposes Administrative Sanctions on clients per policy
• Collects DNA samples and submits to the Illinois State Police
• Regular and ongoing contact with victims and/or collateral contacts
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned
• May be required to be on-call during conventional and non-conventional (evening/weekends) hours as assigned
• Tracks all pending and court outcomes on assigned clients
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of modern social service practices and casework philosophy, methods, and practices
• Good knowledge of the methods, practices, and procedures of investigation
• Ability to deal with difficult offenders in the community
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations
• Possession of a significant level of ethical integrity
• Ability to effectively problem-solve
• Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, judges, attorneys, clients, and the general public
• Work with mathematical concepts
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software (Word processing and spreadsheet) are required

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or a related field
• Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court

Other Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen
• Must be a resident of Illinois
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must pass a physical examination

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May involve long periods sitting and driving in a car

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.