Probation/Parole Officer 1

Job Description

This posting is advertising for 5 positions at the locations identified below:

• Positions at Waterloo Probation/Parole Office - 527 E 5 th Street, Waterloo
• Position at Waterloo Women’s Center for Change – 1515 Lafayette Street, Waterloo
• Position at Oelwein Probation/Parole Office – 1584 S Frederick Avenue, Oelwein
• Position at West Union Residential Facility – 500 S Pine Street, West Union
  
  

The Probation/Parole Officer 1 position is used for routine risk and needs assessment, predominately lower risk case management and some basic group facilitation. Case management and supervision strategies may be planned in conjunction with the supervisor or designee, but the incumbent evaluates and make decisions within established policies and standards. The work requires the use of independent judgment, initiative, teamwork, communication, balanced approach of treatment and supervision, developing quality professional working relationships with clients, and familiarity with district standards, policies, and functions.

Work Examples

As a part of a multi-disciplinary team, the incumbent participates as an active member of the team to improve client outcomes consistent with change principles and district goals.

Builds collaborative relationships with interested parties dealing with criminal justice matters (courts, law enforcement) and other community partners (service providers, employers).

Interacts with clients on predominately lower risk supervision, utilizing basic behavioral techniques to assist in the development of problem solving skills and facilitating behavioral change.

With a balanced approach of accountability and treatment, addresses issues that arise, such as violating behaviors and/or community safety concerns, utilizing evidenced based practices.

Prepares and presents accurate written and oral reports on clients for the courts, parole board, administrative hearings, and in-house staffings and outside agencies in compliance with established deadlines. Such reports may include presentence, probation/parole violation reports or reports for modification of supervision. These reports are done in adherence to Iowa Code, Administrative Code and/or Department Policy.

Conduct and utilize assessments that identify risk, need and responsivity for the purpose of developing effective intervention strategies targeted at reducing recidivism. This may include conducting the Iowa Risk or other criminogenic needs assessments.

Consistently evaluates and monitors clients’ reentry needs. Ensures continuity of reentry by having the proper supports in place for those clients returning from prison, jail or residential.

Reviews the court order and aligns available resources to address expectations.

Maintains a thorough and detailed case file for each client verifying that the necessary documentation is timely and accurate. Documents client-related contacts in files and strictly adheres to department policy and Iowa Code as they relate to confidentiality of records.

Assesses or monitors for alcohol/drug use utilizing available technology.

Supervises client financial matters, including budgeting and payment of obligations (supervision fee, court fees, restitution, rent etc.).

Co-facilitates cognitive behavioral or other evidence based groups.

Assists in supervision of clients in residential facilities to include assistance at the control desk, intake, urinalysis/breath analysis, and other various tasks.

Adheres to the use of universal precautions in the performance of job duties in order to minimize the potential risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Responses to emergencies with safety as a first priority trained and prepared to use life saving measures and appropriate defensive tactics as needed and necessary.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in any field.
• A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience in a human services or criminal justice field, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes 18 months of full-time work as a Residential Officer.
  
  

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.