Adult Probation Officer

Job description- ADULT PROBATION OFFICERThis position enforces the orders and conditions of the Huntingdon County Courts, performing a variety of tasks in order to supervise individuals on probation, parole, probation with restrictive conditions or participating in the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program. Probation officers are required to properly identify an individual under supervision's risk level using an actuarial risk assessment tool and in turn identify the needs of the individual under supervision and match programming that will provide the competencies necessary to develop long term behavior change. Additionally, this position ensures that individuals under supervision are held accountable for their behaviors, while attending to the protection and safety of the community in which they live.POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Supervise those under supervision through a variety of contacts including office, home, field, employment, etc. Maintain collateral contacts with family, employers, victims, or pertinent others regarding the individual under supervision. Contacts generally made during regular office hours.
• Document all case-related contacts and generate reports when necessary in a timely fashion. Complete all other necessary paperwork as required and maintain progress reports on individuals under supervision.
• Accurately assess risk and needs and develop case plans that address needs while providing supervision at a level commensurate with risk.
• Refer offenders to treatment agencies as needed, become familiar with and maintain professional relationships with other agencies.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to assist those under supervision to explore and resolve ambivalence and to increase motivation for change.
• Utilize cognitive-behavioral group and individual interventions such as role plays and modeling to change behavior and build skills.
• Reward positive behavior as appropriate and address negative behavior through graduated responses.
• Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to provide services to those under supervision and their families.
• Hold individuals under supervision accountable by monitoring drug testing results, participation with treatment, community service, compliance with electronic monitoring, and any other Court ordered obligations. Issue warrants and assist with arrests of those in violation of the Court's order.
• Represent the department in Court by presenting information and formally testifying when necessary.
• Participate in the apprehension and transportation of offenders not complying with the terms of their supervision, if trained to do so.
• Meet County Adult Probation & Parole Advisory Committee standards of 40 hours of training annually and assist in the development of new officers through mentoring.
• Provide intake services for newly sentenced offenders. Complete pre-sentencing reports as ordered by the Courts and calculate and submit sentencing guidelines as required by statute.
• Conduct thorough and appropriate parole plans based on an offender's risks and needs.
• Represent the probation office in the community through public speaking engagements.MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
• Bachelor's degree majoring in criminal justice or related field.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license, proof of auto insurance and access to a vehicle for employment purposes.MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
• Working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of investigation, supervision, and reporting in probation / parole work.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written expressions in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior as it pertains to criminal behavior, social dynami s, relationships, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol issues.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when acting in the best interest of the community and the offender.
• Skill in the operation of computer software applications preferred.
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours.PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
• Ability to complete Defensive Tactics (DT) training and assist, when necessary, in the physical control of subjects that may be cooperative, resistant, and / or combative.
• Ability to complete firearms training and achieve and maintain certification to carry a firearm.WORKING ENVIRONMENT :
• Normal office environment as well as meeting with individuals under supervision regularly in their homes and in the community during both traditional and non-traditional hours.
• Work environment is stressful at times given the hectic workload and nature of the clientele.
• Some work may be performed in targeted high crime areas and as a result the environment could be dangerous. Risk factors include exposure to HIV, Hepatitis, and TB. Additionally, probation / parole officers face the threat of exposure to guns, knives, contaminated needles, and other weapons.
• Travel on a regular basis throughout Huntingdon County providing supervision and occasionally outside of the County for training and institutional visits. This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant / employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.