Probation Officer

POSTING DATE: February 14, 2025, DEPARTMENT: Court Services – Probation

POSITION: Probation Officer HOURLY RATE: $24.70 per hour ($51, 376 per year)

HOURS: 40 hours per week – Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – occasional evenings

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The Adams County Probation Department strives to fulfill our vision of Protecting Our Community by Changing Lives. Our department of 19 Probation Officers and 3 support staff serve the citizens of Adams County and the Judiciary by being Agents of Change and providing evidence-based services and support to the clients assigned to our department.

The Probation Officer position is responsible for interviewing clients, preparing Presentence Investigation reports, and overseeing a caseload as assigned. This position is supported by a supervisor and Chief Probation Officer.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Officer of the Day and Secondary Officer of the day completing client intakes and problem-solving client questions in their Probation Officers’ absence.
• Complete investigations into client background concerning Presentence Investigations (PSI’s), including criminal history, physical and mental health history and conditions, family situation and background, economic status, education, occupation, and personal habits.
• Assess actuarial risk/need through department assessment instrument and utilize trailer tools as needed.
• Work with the client to understand the assessment results and develop a case plan that addresses the offender’s greatest criminogenic needs (those directly linked to their criminal behavior). Be responsive to the offender’s unique issues (responsivity) and deliver interventions in the correct amount (dosage).
• Make appropriate program or service referrals.
• Enhance intrinsic motivation through knowledge of the stages of change and utilization of motivational interviewing techniques.
• Utilize cognitive behavioral methods that examine thinking and attitudes. Reinforce offender change talk and self-efficacy.
• Use evidence-based verbal and non-verbal communication skills to include reflections, summarizations, affirmations, and open-ended questions to gather information and facilitate change. Explore the offender’s ambivalence to positive change.
• Utilize positive reinforcement to acknowledge any evidence of pro-social behavior or verbal statements on the part of the offender. Convey optimism that the offender can change.
• Engage ongoing support in natural communities. Realign offenders with pro-social support systems in their communities to sustain behavior change.
• Contribute to public safety by promoting positive changes in offenders’ behavior.
• Maintain case notes. Case files must be up-to-date, organized and complete.
• Attend court hearings. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of offender compliance/behavior to report such at review hearings.
• Maintain a productive working relationship with all agencies, individuals (especially victims) and governmental units with whom the department interacts.
• Represent and promote the department’s vision, mission and philosophy before groups and individuals.
• Identify ways to improve department procedures and processes.
• Anticipate and appropriately respond to emergencies.
• Conduct Home/Field Contacts per department policy.
• Collect urine specimens for drug testing and saliva specimens for DNA testing.
• Share on-call duties with other officers (juvenile officers only).
• Respond to needs, requests, and requirements of local Judiciary.

We are looking for someone who can establish working relationships with a wide array of people and work under stressful circumstances. A good candidate would have good problem solving, organizational, oral, written and computer skills, while also possessing qualities of integrity, professionalism, dependability, confidentiality, flexibility, and a willingness to learn new skills. They would exhibit the ability and drive to thrive in a team environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Be a resident of the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of appointment. Availability to work a variable schedule. Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Knowledge of Outlook, Word, and Excel is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit a cover letter, resume’ and applications, as noted below to:

Anthony Foster-Director of Court Services

Adams County Probation Department

521 Vermont

Quincy, IL 62301

afoster@adamscountyil.gov

Applications will be accepted until filled. Those applications received by March 7, 2025, will be given priority.

APPLICATION: Please fill out and submit the Adams County Employment Application, Probation/Court Services/Juvenile Detention Supplemental Application, Background Check Authorization, and Drug Test Consent Form located at:

https://www.co.adams.il.us/how-do-i/list-detail-pages/employment-opportunitie

IN ADDITION, please complete and submit a “Probation/Court Services Employment/Promotion Application” from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts – Probation Division. Directions and application are available at the following link:

https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/employment-application/

Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the selection process.

The County of Adams is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $51,376.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Quincy, IL 62301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $51 - $51,376