Probation officer job description

Under supervision, investigates, counsels and provides continuous supervision for youth offenders to assist in their social and personal adjustment.
* Aids in making plans for helping youth offenders with life adjustments.
* Counsels youth offenders via office visits, employment visits, telephone inquiries, community contacts and correspondence.
* Informs youth offenders of requirements of conditional release, such as office visits, restitution payments, or educational and employment stipulations.
* Investigates activities of youth offenders to ascertain their level of readjustment to society. Investigates background histories of youth offenders; review court files, police reports and other pertinent reports to gather information.
* May testify in court concerning matters pertaining to clients such as sentencing, trials, pleas, and violations of probation conditions.
* Monitors and conducts surveillance of youth offenders.
* Provides youth offenders with assistance in matters concerning detainees, sentences in other jurisdictions, and writs.
* Writes reports detailing clients' progress and other reports/paperwork as necessary accurately completing them within established time frame.
* Performs arrests of youth offenders who have violated the terms of their release, in accordance with statutory requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
* OR Two years of experience in researching criminal history records examining court records for criminal proceedings and in preparing report of findings
* OR Two years of experience as a P.O.S.T. certified peace officer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:

* Completion of an undergraduate degree in one of the following areas: Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education or a directly related field.
* Three (3) or more years of professional experience in law enforcement as a Certified Peace Officer.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION.

THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE.

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION.

ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

DJJ IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university OR Two years of experience in researching criminal history records, examining court records for criminal proceedings and in preparing report of findings OR Two years of experience as a P.O.S.T. certified peace officer.

Additional Information

* Number of Openings: 1
* Advertised Salary: $37,103.00
* Shift: Day Job
* Posting End Date: Oct 21, 2022

This position is responsible for interviewing, conducting investigations and making sentencing recommendations for offenders cited into Lakewood Municipal Court. Tracks and monitors offenders' court ordered terms and conditions of probation, deferred judgment, case reviews and jail reviews to maintain accurate records for the Court. Works with a range of offenders to include low risk to high-risk and the caseload will be focused on adult (mostly domestic violence) or juvenile cases depending on division needs. Intervenes in crisis situations and refers offenders and families to a variety of resources and services.
Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonableaccommodation.

* Conducts interviews, investigations and prepares written reports with sentencing recommendations for court ordered offenders and families. Complete and score appropriate risk assessments and consider public safety when determining recommendations for the Court. Assesses individuals and behavior through interviews and investigation to determine appropriate sanctions, consequences, and services for defendants.
* Maintains accurate records of each offender, and monitors progress with terms and conditions of each offenders' sentence. Prepares accurate written reports to the Court to include pre-sentence investigations, affidavits, motion to revokes and warrants. Recommends jail, detentions, work release, weekend work crew and electronic monitoring as types of confinement.
* Ability to manage a high case load and heavy volume of work while navigating crisis situations involving suicide, domestic violence, runaways, and other similar types of incidents with the knowledge to locate applicable resources.
* Responds to correspondences including jail reconsideration, requests to vacate restraining orders, victim issues, mental health providers, counselors, etc.
* This position may be responsible for supervising a specialized caseload which can include Domestic Violence (DV), veterans, high risk juveniles, youth with diagnosed mental health issues or unhoused offenders.
* This position may be required to work outside traditionally established municipal court hours to supervise specialized programming such as Teen Court, the Youth Educational Team (YET) program, the Community Adult Resources and Education (CARE) program or in collaboration with the Lakewood Police Department in conducting community visits.
* Assists in developing new processes and procedures as new laws and sentencing requirements are enacted by City Council, State Legislature or other governing bodies.
* Works directly with Prosecutor's Office in plea-bargain agreements and sentencing.

Important Functions

* Testifies in Court as necessary.
* Makes official authorizations in the name of the court and probation division.
* Notifies Court Marshals when fugitives appear and reports problems or concerns immediately to the Court Marshals.
* Interprets and follows through on Judge's orders and Municipal Prosecutor's recommendations.
* Follow supervisor's instructions based on the knowledge of the Court's principles, practices, procedures, and legal guidelines; department rules, regulations and procedures; various ordinances and state statutes relating to probation and diversion.
* Prepares, maintains and ensures the integrity of the probation records.
* Maintains a safe work environment and demonstrates awareness of and monitors surroundings.
* Assists administrative staff when requested and/or when they are short on personnel.
* Requires regular and prompt attendance.
* Conduct criminal background checks using CCIC/NCIC, JBITS, NICHEand other sites that include criminal histories.
* Must be able to transport oneself to off-site locations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision of Chief Probation Officer.

* Follows proper chain of command when conducting day-to-day operations.

Supervision Exercised: None

Essential Qualifications

Education:Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required (preferably in Criminal Justice or Social Sciences).

Experience:

* Two or more years' experience in the criminal justice system dealing with at-risk populations, juveniles, domestic violence perpetrators and victims.
* Must have experience working in high-pressure environment with extensive public contact.
* Working knowledge of offender services and community treatment options.
* Working knowledge of the Colorado Domestic Violence Standards is preferred.
* Experience as a probation officer, case manager or law enforcement is preferred.

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training

* Valid Driver's license and good motor vehicle driving record strongly preferred.

KSA's and Physical/Mental Reqs

* Excellent communication skills with the ability to de-escalate conflict situations with offenders, families and other members of the public.
* Excellent listening skills used to gather offender information and case details.
* Excellent attention to detail.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality.
* Ability to adapt to changing caseload and regulations for offenders.Occasional updating of skills or knowledge through, but not limited to, cross training or outside seminars and conferences.
* Ability to serve as a positive role model and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners. Must be able to work independently and in a team environment to maintain effective working relationships.
* Ability to use discretion when determining appropriate sentencing while considering the publics' safety.
* Ability to make effective decisions in the absence of supervision and to accept consequences for the decisions.
* Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks simultaneously while organizing and relaying information with speed and accuracy despite frequent interruptions.
* Criminal background check is required.

Technological Skills

* Must be proficient with computers and computer software.

All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physicalstandards and certifications.

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. Accordingly, the City celebrates diversity in the workforce. This position description is a valid statement of the job duties, responsibilities, requirements and performance expectations of this position.

Starting hourly wage: $22.84

General Statement of Duties

Manages a caseload of defendants to determine compliance with Court-ordered terms of probation; performs related work as required.

Classification Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to supervise a caseload of misdemeanor offenders to monitor compliance with court-ordered terms of probation for the protection of the community. Work includes referring defendants to appropriate mental health and substance evaluations and treatment as required, monitoring compliance with court orders and sentencing requirements, compiling and maintaining case files, recommending further conditions of probation, or initiating petitions to revoke probation. The work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Misdemeanor Probation, but considerable latitude is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment with some field work that includes exposure to potential personal danger.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may vary with specific positions):

• Manages an assigned caseload of offenders on supervised probation;
• Establishes and maintains a case file on each offender, scheduling appointments for established periodic visits;
• Supervises individual offenders for compliance with court orders and sentence requirements;
• Prepares referrals for mental health, counseling, substance abuse, or other evaluations and treatments and monitors attendance at and progress of treatment;
• Conducts investigations to determine offender adherence to court-ordered conditions;
• Receives and reviews monthly or other periodic reports from treatment providers on offenders and takes appropriate remedial actions as necessary;
• Monitors restitution and fine payment schedules;
• Monitors urinalysis testing;
• Collects probation and other fees;
• Recommends further conditions, initiates affidavit to revoke, or petitions for early termination of probation;
• Monitors court dockets and calendars and runs record checks to determine additional offenses;
• Attends Court and evidentiary hearings and presents recommendations and/or testimony on violations and sentencing;
• Documents and maintains records of all contacts with defendant;
• Work collaboratively with treatment providers, attorneys, law enforcement, etc;
• Prepares monthly or other periodic statistical report;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County and Court policies, procedures, and safety practices;
• Conducts home visits and searches.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Human and criminal behavior;
• Interviewing, counseling, and investigative techniques applicable to case monitoring;
• Idaho and County statutes, laws, codes, and regulations governing misdemeanor arrest, detention, and probation;
• Criminal court practices, terminology, and procedures;
• Departmental programs, policies, procedures, and operations as applied to the work performed;
• Various evaluation and treatment programs, social and service agencies, and other community resources available to defendants;
• File and information management methods and procedures;
• Operation of standard office equipment, including a personal computer;
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling procedures and methods.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively and constructively with fellow workers and members of the public to provide public service of the highest quality and quantity;
• Gather and analyze facts and evidence and draw logical and objective conclusions;
• Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful, volatile, and hostile situations;
• Compile pertinent data and prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned defendants, service providers, supervisors, other County employees, defense and prosecuting attorneys, the public, and other County and state agencies;
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner;
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, codes, regulations, and established procedures;
• Operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer and applications appropriate to assigned duties;
• Operate a motor vehicle;
• Operate specialized equipment such as electronic monitoring, alcohol detection, and personal defense devices;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Perform multiple tasks, including handling interruptions, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines, and set project priorities;
• Maintain defendant and Department confidentiality;
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral or social sciences preferred; and
• Two (2) years experience in probation monitoring, social service, or court-related behavioral services is preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• Must successfully complete a background investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC);
• Idaho NCIC access certification;
• Idaho drivers' license;
• Must be able to obtain P.O.S.T. certification within one year of employment.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review and prepare a variety of written and text materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment, a personal computer, and operate a motor vehicle;
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, and physical strength and reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee work in an office environment and restrain an individual in custody.

EOE Statement

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.