What are the responsibilities and job description for the Probation Officer position at Luzerne County?
JOB
The probation and parole officer investigates, supervises, and counsels offenders in the county probation and parole system. Officers assist offenders on probation or parole in their personal, social, and economic adjustment in the community, including help with special problems such as chemical dependency, psychological difficulties, and anti-social behaviors. Offenders are supervised to ensure that they adhere to the conditions of probation and parole. Probation/parole officers work a seven day a week rotating shift as scheduled and are required to respond to emergency call outs on any day or time to administer to departmental needs as directed. They may also be scheduled to perform twenty-four hour On-Call duty responding to emergency calls from contracted service providers, other law enforcement agencies and the public. There is an element of physical danger in working with probation and parole violators and supervising offenders, therefore physical fitness is necessary, to include annual trainings and certifications in self-defense, use of force/control tactics, and the use of non-lethal weapons. Annual qualification and the carrying of a concealed department provided firearm while on duty is mandatory.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The probation and parole officer investigates, supervises, and counsels offenders in the county probation and parole system Prepares pre-sentence investigation reports and pre-parole plans. Makes collateral contacts with agencies, employers, friends, and families to obtain useful information to develop effective rehabilitation plans. Investigates activities of offenders to ascertain whether or not they are violating terms of their sentence or probation or parole regulations. Makes intelligent and informed decisions directly affecting public safety and the personal liberties of offenders. Makes or assists in making arrests and transporting violators to correctional institutions. Prepares all arrest and violation reports and revocation petitions. Testifies at hearings. Prepares special reports for the Court as required. Establishes and monitors payment schedule of fines, restitution, and supervision fees against clients as ordered by the Court. Conducts urinalysis and breath alcohol testing. Performs other duties as directed.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably within the criminal justice or sociology field of study. One year experience in probation and parole or other social work is desired but not mandatory.Successful completion of a one year probation officer intern program. All probation and parole officers undergo a six month trial period followed by a six month probation period from the date of employment to develop and gain an understanding of policies and procedures and to develop competency and the judgment necessary to supervise offenders effectively.Attention: All new hires must qualify annually with a department issued firearm and ammunition on a designated course as instituted and approved by the Pennsylvania Firearms Education and Training Commission.
The probation and parole officer investigates, supervises, and counsels offenders in the county probation and parole system. Officers assist offenders on probation or parole in their personal, social, and economic adjustment in the community, including help with special problems such as chemical dependency, psychological difficulties, and anti-social behaviors. Offenders are supervised to ensure that they adhere to the conditions of probation and parole. Probation/parole officers work a seven day a week rotating shift as scheduled and are required to respond to emergency call outs on any day or time to administer to departmental needs as directed. They may also be scheduled to perform twenty-four hour On-Call duty responding to emergency calls from contracted service providers, other law enforcement agencies and the public. There is an element of physical danger in working with probation and parole violators and supervising offenders, therefore physical fitness is necessary, to include annual trainings and certifications in self-defense, use of force/control tactics, and the use of non-lethal weapons. Annual qualification and the carrying of a concealed department provided firearm while on duty is mandatory.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The probation and parole officer investigates, supervises, and counsels offenders in the county probation and parole system Prepares pre-sentence investigation reports and pre-parole plans. Makes collateral contacts with agencies, employers, friends, and families to obtain useful information to develop effective rehabilitation plans. Investigates activities of offenders to ascertain whether or not they are violating terms of their sentence or probation or parole regulations. Makes intelligent and informed decisions directly affecting public safety and the personal liberties of offenders. Makes or assists in making arrests and transporting violators to correctional institutions. Prepares all arrest and violation reports and revocation petitions. Testifies at hearings. Prepares special reports for the Court as required. Establishes and monitors payment schedule of fines, restitution, and supervision fees against clients as ordered by the Court. Conducts urinalysis and breath alcohol testing. Performs other duties as directed.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably within the criminal justice or sociology field of study. One year experience in probation and parole or other social work is desired but not mandatory.Successful completion of a one year probation officer intern program. All probation and parole officers undergo a six month trial period followed by a six month probation period from the date of employment to develop and gain an understanding of policies and procedures and to develop competency and the judgment necessary to supervise offenders effectively.Attention: All new hires must qualify annually with a department issued firearm and ammunition on a designated course as instituted and approved by the Pennsylvania Firearms Education and Training Commission.
