Pre-Trial Probation Officer

POSITION:* Pre-Trial Probation Officer*

Full-Time, 80 hours/pay

DEPARTMENT: Venango County Court Supervision Services

Venango County Courthouse Annex

PAY GRADE: Non-Exempt Hourly Six

$16.0035/hr

We dedicate ourselves to working in partnership to enhance the capacity of Pennsylvania’s criminal and juvenile justice system to achieve its balanced and restorative justice mission of community protection, accountability to victims and the community and offender competency development by:

· Employing evidence-based practices, with fidelity, at every stage of the justice process;

· Collecting and analyzing the data necessary to measure the results of these efforts; and with this knowledge,

· Striving to continuously improve the quality of our decisions, services and programs.

Overall Purpose of Job

To interview and assess defendants admitted to the Venango County Jail for release consideration, and those cases directly referred by the Courts, pending disposition of their case; and where appropriate, to supervise defendants admitted to the pre-trial program to ensure compliance with conditions of bail/bond, 10% bail, release on own recognizance or other pre-trial release. The officer will work to increase rates of release while minimizing rates of failure to appear and re-arrest rates so that the persons detained are those for whom no combination of conditions can reasonably assure appearance in court and community safety.

Essential functions of job

• Perform Intakes and Risk/Needs Assessments and makes recommendations to the Court regarding conditions of release.
• Coordinate admissions to bail, treatment, transfers to other facilities, or other release in conjunction with the Jail Advocate, Mental Health and Substance Abuse professionals.
• Monitor offenders through home, office, employment and school contacts and through the use of electronic monitoring equipment including Global Positioning Satellite technology and remote alcohol monitoring.
• Maintains contact with families, friends, social service agencies and employers to assist offenders.
• Interview offenders using Motivational Interviewing skills.
• Prepares recommendations and progress reports for the Court as required
• Provide rewards/incentives and/or graduated responses as necessary based on the client’s progress in achieving goals.
• Monitors compliance with Court Orders and Bail conditions
• Testifies at court proceedings when necessary.
• Gathers program data for reports as required.
• Travels daily to perform essential job duties.
• Conducts urinalysis and alcohol breath tests
• Conducts research on whereabouts of missing offenders.
• Coordinates victim notification of a defendant’s release in conjunction with the Victim Witness Coordinators.
• Utilizes equipment such as 2-way radios, computers, as well as drug testing equipment, handcuffs, shackles and breathalyzers.
• Provides documentation of all contacts, incidents and treatment approaches.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other private or public agencies in the community.

Other duties of job

1. Attends trainings, meetings and seminars as required.

2. Performs other job-related duties as required.

3. Officer will be required to participate in the On-Call rotation and respond to after hour violations for all department matters to include house arrest/electronic monitoring violations and juvenile matters.

Supervision received

Receives occasional instruction and limited supervision from the Adult Division Supervisor or Director in regard to daily work duties.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works indoors in adequate work space with adequate temperatures, ventilation and lighting.

2. Moderate exposure to stress and disruptions.

3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

4. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of clients.

5. Travels during all seasons and is exposed to outdoor elements including snowy and icy roadways.

6. Conducts field contacts with clients.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching, as necessary to carry out job duties.

3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out duties of job.

4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.

5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

6. Must be able to react quickly, physically and mentally, in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak.

QUALIFICATIONS

A.

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice, Rehabilitative Science, Criminology, Sociology or related field. Additional law enforcement training/certifications also a plus but not required; First Aid/CPR; OC Spray; ASP Baton; TASER; Firearms; NIK testing; Motivational Interviewing; Core Competency Training; Conflict Resolution.

B.

None required; one to two years working in corrections, community corrections, juvenile probation, adult probation or law enforcement preferred.

C.

PA Child Abuse Certification and PA Criminal History Clearances

FBI Fingerprint Clearances

Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License

Pre-Employment psychological testing

Pre-Employment urinalysis

Continuing education/training requirements

Attendance at Basic Skills Academy

Ability to pass Probation Officer Firearms Academy if opting to carry a weapon

Ability to pass training prior to being authorized to carry a Taser, ASP Baton or

OC Spray.

• Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.

2. Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.

4. Must possess the ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with co-workers and staff.

5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.

6. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment with accuracy and reasonable speed.

7. Must possess a willingness to travel as needed to carry out essential job duties.

8. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

9. Must possess knowledge of criminal justice and ability to apply same to job.

10. Must be able to maintain accurate statistics and records in computer and in files and to provide required reports in timely manner.

11. Must possess ability to perform basic math calculations and to apply regarding collection of fees, records, reports and other documents.

12. Must possess knowledge of evidence-based practices and community resources.

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ATTENTION APPLICANTS:

All applicants are required to submit a County Application for Employment in order to be considered for this position.

Veterans claiming veterans’ hiring preference must provide a valid DD214 form that clearly displays an honorable or general discharge and dates of service completed.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 04/11/2025 at 4:00 p.m.

EOE M/F/D/V **THE COUNTY OF VENANGO IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.**

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $33,287.28 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $33,287