Field Probation Officer

Job Summary

This position promotes public safety through supervision of adult and juvenile clients under the District Courts jurisdiction. Acts as a resource to the court to gather timely and accurate information on clients which is used to determine sentences. Responsible for supporting an inclusive environment focused on equitable outcomes. Work is performed in an office or in the field as required.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides written and oral reports to the court for consideration in disposing adult and juvenile clients. 
• Monitors court-ordered conditions of probation and conditional release. 
• Completes risk/needs assessments, case plans, and referrals to appropriate resources. 
• Works closely with community resources to coordinate services (schools, treatment and mental health providers, and social services).
• Provides services to crime victims through restitution determination, victim-impact statements, and monitoring of no-contact orders. 
• Facilitates cognitive skills and cognitive restructuring curriculum with clients. 
• Acts as a resource to the community to provide education and support on criminal justice and delinquency issues. 
• Represents the department at special hearings for sentencing/disposition, violations of probation, or other court proceedings that require department's presence. 
• Performs independent analysis and evaluation of case data and develops or adjusts case plan as needed. 
• Analyzes complex case situations and evaluates needs for services. 
• Provides work direction, orientation, mentoring, and training for volunteers and interns as assigned. 
• Helps facilitate and coordinate programming within the agency. 
• Ensures client compliance with Predatory Offender Registration requirements including DNA, registration of client location (homes, employment, school, and vehicle information). 
• Provides written documentation to the court for review (i.e., Pre-Dispositional Reports, Pre-Sentence Investigations, Violation reports, Certification Studies for possible reference of juvenile clients to adult court and Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction Report). 
• Monitors supervised release/parole clients. 
• Conducts client supervision and continued case management occurs in the office, clients' homes, clients'' place of employment, schools, jails, and placements. 
• Evaluates client's immediate public safety risk to request the issuance of an apprehension and detention order. 
• Monitors and supervises client's compliance with court ordered conditions (i.e., transitional services, transporting clients, safety planning for clients, families, and community, mental health and chemical dependency treatment compliance, drug and alcohol testing to verify no -use conditions, collection of DNA samples per court order or statute as applies). 
• Assesses client's needs including those of literacy, language, and culture to ensure effective communication and comprehension.
• Ensures compliance with the applicable federal and state statutes and the State Departments of Human Services, Public Safety, and Corrections policies and procedures.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. 
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work, or related field and two years of experience working with juveniles or adults in a corrections related probation environment. The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation and a valid driver's license for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Community Corrections Supervisor. Work is routinely handled independently with the employee evaluating information and making decisions within established policies and standards. Work is reviewed for conformity with standards, policies, and procedures through conferences, written reports and objectives achieved. Employee's performance is reviewed annually by the Community Corrections Supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of correctional case work and theory.

Knowledge of Evidence Based Practices and client-centered supervision.

Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws and regulations concerning program area.

Knowledge of personality development, environmental factors, and situational aspects of human behavior which contribute to behavior patterns.

Knowledge of community and other resources available.

Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.

Knowledge of social and economic problems.

Abilities – Ability to organize information for court hearings and present evidence in court.

Ability to analyze complex case situations and evaluate potential for improvement.

Ability to independently investigate, supervise, and counsel juvenile and adult clients.

Ability to motivate individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals.

Proficient in the use of verbal conflict resolution and interpersonal de-escalation skills.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, employees, criminal justice agencies, and the public.

Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field within clients' places of residence, work, or other non-county location. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple clients. Incumbent may be exposed to various atmospheric conditions such as odors, dusts, pets, poor ventilation, fumes, etc. when working in clients' residences. Incumbent may be exposed to uncooperative, angry, and sometimes hostile clients. During the course of work, incumbents may be at risk for exposure to bodily fluids and the blood borne issues associated with them. Some evening or weekend hours may be required. 

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.