Probation Officer

Position Overview

This role involves entry to developing level duties as a Probation Officer, focusing on investigation, assessment, supervision, coordinating resources, and monitoring clients who are court-ordered for various services. The position requires completion of specified training programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage case files by documenting client activities, reviewing related documents and court orders, and maintaining electronic client records.
• Conduct in-person interviews and appointments; continuously assess treatment needs and community risk; develop tailored case plans to ensure adherence to court conditions.
• Prioritize and respond to critical incidents both in the field and office; employ de-escalation techniques with hostile or agitated clients and defuse potentially violent situations.
• Prepare various reports analyzing criminal behavior and provide courts with relevant information and sentencing alternatives.
• Submit detailed compliance reports to courts, including revocation paperwork, while safeguarding confidential data; provide professional testimony as needed.
• Communicate Victim Rights Amendment information to staff, stakeholders, and the public; gather victim statements for court proceedings and address community feedback about clients.
• Collaborate with other judicial districts and states on matters involving victims.
• Participate in required meetings and ongoing training programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Duties

Occasional oversight of helpers, assistants, interns, seasonal, or temporary staff is required, with most employees performing semi-complex tasks.

Work Environment and Expectations

Interactions frequently involve decisions tied to policy implementation, sometimes involving sensitive or controversial matters. The public contact may be stressful or involve aggressive behavior requiring tact and composure. Job duties follow established policies and are subject to periodic performance reviews. Physical requirements include exerting force up to 35 pounds occasionally and moderate force frequently or constantly. The work environment includes occasional exposure to unpleasant conditions, hazards, and risks such as possible contact with hostile individuals, communicable diseases, or bodily fluids. Some outdoor work may be necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educational background options include: a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, human services, or related areas, or
• An associate's degree in these fields plus two years of relevant work experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, social work, psychology, or related domains, or
• A high school diploma or G.E.D. combined with four years of relevant experience, substitutable on a year-for-year basis for formal education.
• Experience typically involves handling semi-complex tasks within criminal justice or allied fields.
• No specific licenses or certifications are required.