POSITION OVERVIEW:

A Probation Officer I position is responsible for performing routine professional social service and law enforcement duties in a county probation and parole system.  A Probation Officer I supervises adults on accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD), probation, parole, intermediate punishment (IP), and bail, or who are otherwise subject to the authority of the Court.  This position investigates, advises and counsels individuals on supervision to foster their personal, social and economic adjustment in the community.   Work involves the counseling and supervision of individuals, completion of presentence investigation reports, and investigations of pre-parole plans.  Work includes a wide variety of contacts with agencies, employers, friends and families in securing information regarding offenders, and assisting in developing useful and effective rehabilitation plans.  When needed, a Probation Officer will investigate and take appropriate action concerning violations of conditions of supervision including new crimes and unacceptable behavior and provides representation of the Department at Court Hearings concerning alleged violations. Work is reviewed in progress through observing the employee in action, through conferences, and upon completion, through the review of reports and recommendations.

Probation Officers are peace officers under state law and are trained in the use of firearms and are prepared to apprehend and arrest violators. Although law and well-defined procedures regulate the required work, this position involves decision making directly affecting the public safety and personal liberties of individuals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related human services field; or

A Master’s degree or satisfactory completion of one(1) year of graduate study from an accredited college or university(at least 24 credits) in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field; or

One (1) year as a probation officer aide working towards a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field and qualification in accordance with the Exceptional Person procedure.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Child Abuse History Certification and Act 34 (Criminal History) clearances 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Pre-employment physical 
• Pre-employment psychological evaluation
• Note: This position is subject to random drug testing.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the knowledge and ability to apply casework principles and practices and interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, legal codes, court procedures and executive orders affecting adult probation practices.  Also, some 

knowledge is needed of criminology, penology and the structure and functions of the components of the judicial system; human behavior and the ability to distinguish between normal and dysfunctional behavior/ personality; community resources and the ability to determine appropriate resources for assessment and treatment of physical, mental, and social disorders; operation of a personal computer, basic software programs and other office equipment; drugs, addiction and drug testing methods. Ability is required to positively and effectively influence offenders; to maintain cooperative and positive work relationships both internally with co-workers and externally with other agencies; to function independently and manage one’s time effectively; to gather and analyze facts and consider all outcomes before decisions or recommendations are made; to speak and understand the English language;  to orally and in writing  present ideas, thoughts , facts, logically and clearly in a concise manner utilizing appropriate language skills and grammar; to listen and combine pieces of information to form general conclusions or identify problems; to maintain confidentiality in regard to offender information and records. The willingness and ability to travel as needed to perform all job-related functions. The willingness and ability to be trained in the use of firearms and to be certified to carry a firearm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

An employee in this classification is responsible for performing assignments that are technical in nature and are carried out in accordance with probation and parole practices, procedures and precedents and any applicable legal standards or regulations. Specific job duties include the following:

• Inform adult offenders of conditions of probation such as office visits, costs, fines and restitution payments, educational, treatment and employment stipulations.
• Counsel offenders and provide supportive services to help offenders with their personal, social and economic adjustment to the community. Discuss with offenders how issues such as anger and addiction play roles in delinquent behavior.
• Arrange for social assistance and other post release services such as employment, housing, education, and counseling.
• Arrange for medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs and/or court orders and maintain working relationships with those agencies.
• Develop case plans for assigned adult offenders establishing goals and objectives based on risk and needs.
• Evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and objectives and maintaining the terms specified in their conditions of ARD, probation, parole, IP or bail including attendance at meetings as necessary.
• Investigate alleged violations using interviews, surveillance, and search and seizure.
• Gather information about offender’s backgrounds by talking to offenders, families and friends and other people with relevant information.
• Prepare and maintain a case folder for each assigned offender and record and file documents according to established procedures.
• Maintain a chronological record in the AP system of all direct contact with adult offenders as well as collateral contacts with parents, law enforcement officers, service providers, etc. 
• Compile incident reports and make recommendations for remedial action or court action when terms of supervision are not complied with.
• Conduct Pre-Sentence investigations and prepare a written factual report with recommendations for the Court’s use at sentencing. 
• Administer evidence-based risk assessments and develop supervision plans targeting areas of risk to re-offend.
• Testify in court regarding noncompliance with the terms of probation, present evidence that substantiates the violations, and make recommendations to the Court for appropriate sanctioning.
• Attend court hearings as necessary, or assigned, including hearings pertaining to offender supervision, such as District Justice citation hearings.
• Conduct risk/needs assessment after sentencing according to agency protocol.
• Assess the suitability of offenders for release from jail and submit recommendations to the Judge when appropriate.
• Collect fines, costs and restitution and monitor compliance with the established payment agreement.
• Conduct arrests and transport offenders when required.
• Develop liaisons and networks with local police, attorneys, community agencies, and others who play a role in offender’s rehabilitation or re-entry into the community
• Attend training in the use of firearms and physical self-defense and complete all certification requirements.
• Attend continuing education, workshops, and acquire certifications as assigned and approved to stay current in offender treatment issues, deviant behaviors, legal issues, etc. for the purpose of performing work related duties as required or assigned by administration.  
• Any duties which may be described as related to the supervision of adults under the authority of the Court including the directive to work a flexible work schedule on occasion.
• Assist juvenile officers as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

The work environment and 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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.   The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; smell.  The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle.  The employee will be required to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak and demonstrate emotional stability.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outdoor weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold and heat.  The noise in the work environment is usually moderate.  The work is subject to frequent disruptions and moderate degrees of stress.  Work may involve contact with volatile and potentially hostile or aggressive offenders.  Periodically work will require different shifts or on-call as needed.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required the Deputy Director/Director of Probation.