Probation Officer

Job Title: Probation Officer

Department: Probation Department

Reports To: Chief Probation Officer

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Principal Function: The Probation Officer is responsible for supervising individuals that are placed on probation through the Court system for legal issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Supervises individuals that are placed on probation through the Court system for legal issues and recommends treatment and rehabilitation plans based upon risks and needs.

2. Meets with the individuals and monitors their progress throughout their time on probation.

3. Makes and sends referrals to the appropriate agencies and follows-up to make sure the probationers are compliant with recommendations and requests monthly status reports.

4. Assists the Court in making pre-trial release decisions with individuals on probation.

5. Conducts pre-sentence investigations and prepares reports as required by law.

6. Monitors new cases that are filed and monitors fees to include: restitution; Court costs; Attorney fees; probation fees; etc. and ensures all appropriate fees are paid.

7. Performs and updates risk assessments, as needed.

8. Prepares for and attends Court hearings regarding sentencings, probation violations, and other Court hearings, as needed.

9. Conducts routine home, curfew checks, and drugs screens, as needed.

10. Ensures that the individuals on probation complete their Court orders in a timely manner.

11. Records discussions regarding employment, residency, family and social support, medications, and criminogenic needs.

12. Records feedback from the probationer regarding process and concerns.

13. Supervises individuals that are placed on probation and their school progress and ensures they are following probation rules.

14. Provides accurate documentation and information to the appropriate Courts to include: completing and filing violation of probation petitions with the Court.

15. Responds to inquiries from law enforcement, as needed.

16. Completes administrative duties to include: attending meetings, reviewing statistics and reports, completing various reports, answering inquiries, etc., as needed.

17. Maintains an effective communication process with the Chief Probation Officer.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

County-related Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees working in the County should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time; Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Citizen Service - Manages difficult or emotional Citizen situations; Responds promptly to Citizen needs; Solicits Citizen feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Professionalism/Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills -Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views and tries new things; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality.
• Oral and Written Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

Job-related Competencies – To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:

· Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

· Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

· Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

· Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

· Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision making process; Makes timely decisions.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university in criminal justice, or a related field. Certified Probation Officer certification by the Indiana Office of Court Service is required. The ability to pass and maintain an Indiana Risk Assessment System certification is required. Previous experience as a Probation Officer is desired.

Other Skills and Abilities: The following skills and abilities are either required or desired.

· Computer software skills required include: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Informer, Doxpop, Odyssey, CSI, INCite, OpsCenter, JTS,
and Documanagement.

· Provides on-call coverage to ensure 24/7/365 service availability, as required.

• A working knowledge of the Indiana Criminal Code and Indiana Criminal Procedure is required.
• A working knowledge of procedures, methods, and policies of the Court is required.
• A working knowledge of the legal process, legal terminology, and the Indiana Rules of Court is required.

· A working knowledge of all applicable federal, state and city laws and ordinances are required.

· A working knowledge of the various community agencies available and maintaining knowledge of those continuing services is required.

· A working knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques and evidence-based practice is required.

• The ability to maintain confidentiality of court proceedings and case files is required.
• The ability to effectively communicate on a one-on-one basis with the public is required.
• A working knowledge of report writing while paying attention to detail is required.

· The ability to work with other County offices internally and externally to resolve citizen issues is required.

· A working knowledge of multiple stress management techniques is required.

· The ability to attend continuing education courses to maintain all certifications and license is required.

• The ability to attend meetings and seminars as requested is required.

• The ability to operate a computer, printer, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, and other office equipment is desired.
• The ability to speak, read and write in English is required. Spanish is desired.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; or walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally is exposed to working near moving mechanical parts and the risk of electrical shock when working with office equipment and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
While the offices of Adams County are usually open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, this position requires work beyond these hours and on the weekends. It also requires the ability to drive a County vehicle. Thus, a valid driver’s license is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42,311.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Decatur, IN 46733 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,311