Probation Officer

TITLE: Probation Officer

JOB OBJECTIVES: Under the direction of the Chief of Probation, Assistant Chief and Unit Supervisor, incumbent will work with individuals under the jurisdiction of the Court by promoting positive behavioral change utilizing methods proven to increase public safety. In doing so, the probation officer works with individuals to maximize their potential and mitigate risk to the community in an effort to reduce recidivism.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides structured community supervision to adult, misdemeanor and/or felony offenders ordered to a period of standard supervision as follows:

• Enforces rules and regulations of probation and all orders of the Court, including collection of court costs, restitution and supervision fees
• Maintains responsibility for assigned case-load
• Conducts face-to-face office meetings with clients to ensure compliance
• Prepares Motions to Modify/Revoke/Extend and attends court hearings as necessary
• Prepares for court hearings and offers testimony when required
• Keeps accurate case files with signed Rules of Probation
• Documents case file notes and collateral contacts
• Makes appropriate referrals based on client risk/needs and/or court orders
• Conducts random drug and alcohol testing or as directed by the Court
• Arrests and processes clients according to procedure
• Acts as court officer as assigned
• Completes required training on an annual basis
• Administers the Ohio Risk Assessment System when required
• Completes and updates case plans when required
• Conducts DNA testing as required by law
• Processes courtesy supervision through intrastate transfers according to procedure monitors NCIC cases, if assigned, and notifies the Court of compliance or non-compliance in a timely manner
• Monitors and verifies completion of community work service.

Provides off-site supervision of offenders by:

• Conducting home visits, curfew checks and/or worksite checks, when necessary
• Networking with other agencies in developing treatment plan for offenders
• Maintaining positive communication with community agencies when monitoring treatment/program compliance
• Prepares and investigates PSI’s as directed
• LEADS Operator, if directed
• Assists in training new officers, if directed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other job-related duties as directed by Supervisor.
• Duties may require use of personal vehicle for County business with mileage reimbursement if County car is not available.

Equipment: Incumbent operates equipment such as, but not limited to, the following: Copy machine, computer terminal, personal computer, facsimile machine, printing equipment, telephone, surgical gloves, face mask and you may be required to travel by car (department’s or personal).

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Court procedures and testimony.
• Knowledge of Sections of the State of Ohio Revised Code relevant to Adult Probation.
• Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices and supervision strategies.
• Knowledge of Portage County Adult Probation policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices regarding the Due Process Procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Arrest, Search & Seizure Procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for Drug/Alcohol testing.
• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for DNA Collection.
• Exhibits problem solving skills with an emphasis in conflict resolution and crisis management/intervention.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Interstate Compact Rules and Procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for Pre-Sentence Investigations.
• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for disposal of bio-hazardous waste and materials.
• Demonstrate computer literacy and/or technical competency necessary to complete departmental tasks including but not limited to; Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications (CourtView).
• Possess oral and written communication skills necessary to elicit information utilizing Basic and Motivational Interviewing Techniques
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Risk/Needs Assessment ORAS and provide appropriate referrals and recommendations based on the risk assessment results utilizing community resources.
• Required to annually complete Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction (ODRC) training.
• May be required to complete or re-certify Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Firearms Certification if assigned to the arrest team.
• May be required to operate a motor vehicle in low light conditions.

Job Standards: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Studies or related field is required and five (5) years of experience with direct supervision of offenders is preferred. Consideration of experience in related fields of work may be given. Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license and maintain continuing eligibility under the existing County driver eligibility standards.

Work consists of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring the knowledge and application of established laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and involves evaluating the relevance and importance of theories, concepts, principles and developing different approaches or tactical plans to fit specific circumstances.

Incumbent makes most decisions regarding work independently with some supervision. Supervisor reviews incumbent’s work as needed. Guidelines may exist but are flexible and are open to considerable interpretation. Independent judgement, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are needed to interpret and apply guidelines. The duties and responsibilities of this job will have moderate impact on the image of the County and/or the wellbeing or rights of its citizens. Errors at this level will be difficult to detect and could result in non-compliance with laws or policies and in possible lawsuits, etc. and negatively affect the delivery of quality service and cost, impacting the department and possibly the county overall.

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with Court Judges, co-workers, probationers, representatives of various public and private agencies, law enforcement officials and members of the general public for a variety of purposes, including explanation and interpretation of court orders and gaining the cooperation of individuals in situations of potential conflict and controversy.

Physical

Requirements: Incumbent performs sedentary to light physical work which may require lifting up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to effect an arrest of an offender. Ability to defend oneself from personal attack.

Physical Activity: Incumbent performs the following physical activities: talking, hearing, standing,

walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, driving and

repetitive motions.

Visual Activity: Incumbent performs work where the seeing job is close to the eyes.

Job Location: This position involves visits to correctional institutions and other criminal justice and behavioral health agencies. This position requires the ability to work effectively in community environments, which may include visits to clients’ homes, places of employment, etc. The position also requires the ability to assess, de-escalate and appropriately respond to unpredictable and potentially volatile and high-risk situations. May be exposed to infectious diseases and/or criminal suspects or prison inmates.

Position is inherently hazardous or physically demanding work. Exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment, uses, or works in proximity to the use of firearms, is exposed to bio-hazardous waste and possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions, has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons, exposure to hazardous driving conditions, exposure to life threatening situations, exposure to needles and other drug paraphernalia, exposure to Hepatitis C and irregular work hours.