MISDEMEANOR PROBATION OFFICER

General Statement of Duties

Performs a variety of administrative and professional duties to manage an adult misdemeanor probation caseload; manages adult community service and/or restitution programs; performs related work as required.

Classification Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to supervise and manage a caseload of adult defendants placed on supervised probation for misdemeanor offenses. The work includes performing preliminary and ongoing case management functions and preparing and processing support documentation for professional recommendations to the Court. Misdemeanor Probation Officers receive determination and disposition of cases heard within the magistrate court and occasionally the district court. Misdemeanor probation officers also monitor defendants on release/bail conditions for the Magistrate and District Court. The employee in this class also manages the Community Service and Restitution Programs to plan and coordinate community service projects with community offices, agencies, businesses and others. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Examples of Work (Illustrative only)

Essential duties and Responsibilities

• Meets with assigned defendants at various locations to complete in-take forms, explain terms and requirements of probation and schedule ordered classes, programs and/or incarceration;
• Instructs defendants in probation obligations, regulation and practices; instructs in the completion of various forms; administers (LSI-R) to determine risk level and provides case management to target identified risk domains;
• Supervises and monitors compliance with all terms of probation;
• Documents all information from regular meetings with defendants;
• Enforces court orders through written and verbal warnings, imposition of discretionary time and probation violations proceedings;
• Prepares monthly reports showing case activity;
• Provides defendants with information on resources available for them to complete their probation including drug/alcohol treatment, AA meetings, victim’s panel, community service and other programs ordered by the Court;
• Serves on call 24/7 to answer urgent call regarding clients on their caseload, corresponds with various treatment providers and critical stakeholders to promote client engagement in programs and counseling services;
• Assists probationers in job application completions;
• Maintains in-house drug and alcohol testing and reporting program for both pre-trial defendants and probationers;
• Prepares and presents affidavits and exhibits in probation violation cases; appears in court to represent the department and respond to questions;
• Conducts ongoing records checks to assure against or monitor for additional offenses of defendants, inputs monthly probation fees and case notes in Odyssey; maintains tracks; files and replies to correspondence;
• Conducts weekly home visits as needed;
• Schedules and monitors all GPS, electronic monitor and SCRAM hook-ups;
• Prepares written recommendations to court and prosecution for extension or termination of probation;
• Works closely with jail staff to coordinate Work Release, Sherriff’s Inmate Labor Detail and discretionary time for probationers;
• Prepares detailed restitution reports for the court and parties, with occasional testimony under oath; contacts victims, insurance companies and performs research regarding restitution;
• Plans and coordinates community service projects with community offices, agencies, businesses and others, maintains statistics and other records of all projects and monitors compliance and non-compliance;
• Responds to citizens questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County and agency policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Contingent on the continued approval of the Board of County Commissioners, this employee may elect to be armed with a firearm in the performance of their duties upon POST certification.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Criminal Proceedings;
• Court processes and procedures;
• Laws governing probation compliance and sanctions;
• Interpersonal communications and public relations;
• Problem solving, planning and goal setting techniques.

Ability to:

• Develop effective working relationships to interact and coordinate with various entities in the criminal process, including judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and felony probation and parole representatives;
• Develop effective working relationships to interact and coordinate community service projects with businesses, agencies and others;
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation;
• Prepare accurate and reliable reports;
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and established procedures;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Work independently without a high degree of supervision;
• Direct and maintain confidentiality in managing sensitive legal issues and cases;
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous manner;
• Operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent general education development (GED) certification; preferably supplemented with college level course work in social services, criminology or related area; and
• Experience working one-on-one with individuals is preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• Valid Idaho Driver’s License

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to prepare, process and maintain various court ordered documents and reports and monitor client compliance;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office setting and travel to various sites for client contact or compliance. The employee may occasionally be exposed to agitated/aggressive people where physical restraint is necessary.
• Complete an initial pre-employment basic fitness for duty exam by a qualified medical provider.

Post Certification Requirement

This position requires the applicant meet the minimum Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) standards of employment for probation officers (IDAPA 11.11.01). All required examinations shall complete upon a conditional offer of employment. The applicant shall meet all POST standards to qualify for employment as a probation officer and shall become POST certified in adult misdemeanor probation disciplines within one year from the date of hire.