Probation Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION A

Probation/Parole Officer I position is responsible for performing routine professional social service and law enforcement duties in a county probation/parole system. A Probation Officer helps build stronger and safer communities by working with and supervising individuals on probation, and individuals released from the local correctional facility who have been placed on parole, fostering positive change in their decision-making and behavior, expanding opportunities for them to move out of the criminal justice system through meaningful education, employment, health services, family engagement and civic participation. When needed, a Probation Officer will investigate and take appropriate action concerning violations of conditions of parole or probation including new crimes and unacceptable behavior and provides representation of the Department at Court Hearings concerning alleged violations. Probation/Parole Officers are peace officers under state law and are trained in the use of firearms and are prepared to apprehend and arrest violators. Although law and well-defined procedures regulate the required work, this position involves decision making directly affecting the public safety and personal liberties of individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

: An employee in this classification is responsible for performing assignments that are technical in nature and are carried out in accordance with probation and parole practices, procedures and precedents and any applicable legal standards or regulations. Specific job duties include the following: Inform offenders or inmates of conditions of probation/parole such as office visits, costs, fines and restitution payments, educational, treatment and employment stipulations. Counsel offenders and refer to supportive evidence-based services to help offenders with their personal, social and economic adjustment to the community. Discuss with offenders how issues such as anger and addiction play roles in criminal behavior. Arrange for social assistance and other post release services such as employment, housing, education, and counseling. Arrange for medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs and/or court orders. Collaborate with the offender or inmate in the development of a written case plan that outlines goals and objectives that align with criminogenic needs, this plan will assist in behavioral change and act as a "road map" for supervision. Complete case supervision reviews on an annual or semi-annual basis as required. Routinely evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and objectives and maintaining the terms specified in their conditions of probation Investigate alleged parole violations using interviews, surveillance, and search andseizure. Gather information about offender's backgrounds by talking to offenders, families and friends and other people with relevant information. Appropriately reward offenders for pro-social attitudes and behaviors and sanction anti-social thinking and behavior according to Department issued Graduated Reward and Sanction Policy. Participate in a rotational on-call system on weekends, evenings and holidays. Prepare and maintain a case folder for each assigned inmate or offender and record and file documents according to established procedures. Write reports describing offender's progress. Make recommendations for remedial action or court action when terms of probation or parole are not complied with. Conduct pre-sentence investigations and prepare a written factual report for the Court's use in sentencing procedures. Determine the guideline sentence in accordance with the applicable sentencing guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Commission of Sentencing. Incorporate the sentencing guidelines into the pre-sentence report. Perform risk/needs assessment on applicable offenders according to agency protocol. Learn and practice on a daily basis Motivational Interviewing Skills in order to deflect resistant behavior and move the offender towards changes in behavior of self-efficacy (internal motivation). Complete/submit monthly and annual statistical reports when directed. Testify in court regarding noncompliance with the terms of probation and parole, present evidence that substantiates the violations, and make recommendations to the Court for appropriate sanctioning. Attend court hearings such as arraignment, pleas, sentencing or any other hearings pertaining to probation /parole supervision. Assess the suitability of re-parole for parole violators and submit recommendations to the Judge when re-parole is appropriate. Collect fines, costs and restitution and monitor compliance with the established payment agreement. Conduct arrests and transport offenders when required. Develop liaisons and networks with local police, attorneys, community agencies, correctional staff, and others who play a role in offender's rehabilitation or re-entry into the community Attend continuing education and workshops to stay current in offender treatment issues, deviant behaviors, legal issues, etc. Attend training in the use of firearms and self-defense and complete all certification requirements established. Perform related work as required by the supervisor.

ELIGIBILITY - ALL CANDIDATES MUST A

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related human services field; or A Master's degree or satisfactory completion of one (1) year of graduate study from an accredited college or university(at least 24 credits) in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field; or One (1) year as a probation officer aide working towards a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field and qualification in accordance with the Exceptional Person procedure.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

: Child Abuse History Certification and Act 34 (Criminal History - State and Federal) clearances Possession of a valid driver's license. Pre-employment physical

Note:

This position is subject to random drug testing.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$17.44 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

In person