Job Description

Position: Position: Probation Officer (Grant funded)

Opening Date: Upon Approval Closing Date: Upon filling of position

Salary: Per Salary Schedule for Probation Officers

Department: St Joseph County Adult Probation Department Location: County-City Building

Status: Job Category:

FLSA Status:

Description:

This position is full-time, non-exempt position and is covered under the Saint Joseph County Employee Policy Manual and St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department Policy Manual. Position is created and funded through a Grant with no assurance that it will be renewed or maintained as a position in the County Budget.

Incumbent serves as Probation Officer of the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department and is supervised by and reports to the Chief Probation Officer. Incumbent performs duties which are guided by definite objectives using a variety of methods or procedures and require the application of sound judgment based upon education, experience and require the application of sound judgment based upon education, experiences and training. Incumbent prepares Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports, Pre-Trial and any other reports as ordered by the Court. Incumbent will supervise adults placed under the supervision of the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department in accordance with Court orders and polices/procedures of the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department.

Essential Functions:

Incumbent will serve as Probation Officer and may be placed in any open division with the probation department. Primary function and placement will be within the Investigator/Writers’ Division of the Adult Probation Department. Performs duties of a Probation Officer, including but not limited to: writing pre-sentence investigation and pre-trial reports, completing assessments and sending appropriate referrals, and maintaining / supervising adult probation cases in accordance to Indiana Judicial Standards.

Performs record checks on defendants, contacting County Clerk, employers, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and other medical treatment agencies to ascertain and/or verify legal and social history.

Exercises analytical techniques to address problems that are embedded within the range of duties performed. Performs a wide range of complex duties within very general guidelines, adapting guidelines and rules to fit unique circumstances. Extensive analysis of the impact of decisions is required, and incumbent must frequently interpret precedents and facts to derive new methods and approaches for addressing the problems or circumstances.

Performs duties of a Probation Officer, including but not limited to: writing pre-sentence investigation and pre-trial reports, completing assessments and sending appropriate referrals, and maintaining / supervising adult probation cases in accordance to Indiana Judicial Standards.

Establishes appropriate restitution, including contacting victims, notifying other probationers and preparing and submitting documents to the Court, Clerk or other department/agency.

Documents direct interactions with clients, their treatment providers, and other connected third parties and other case activities, entering information into database and updating individual files for each client as required.

Assist adult probationers consistent with Court imposed probation conditions, including furnishing and explaining written statements, monitoring probationer’s compliance and assisting probationers in obtaining needed services from the appropriate public/private treatment and welfare agencies.

Attends regular staff meetings and serve on advisory/community boards, as designated by the CPO.

Assists the Courts, Prosecuting Attorneys, and other law enforcement officials in making decisions regarding the diversion of charged individuals to appropriate community alternatives for specific adults rather than traditional probation.

Assists Courts in transferring supervision of probationers to other jurisdictions, as required.

Notifies the Prosecutor and Courts when a client violates a condition of their probation entailing clients’ non-compliance and recommends legal actions.

Testifies in legal proceedings/Court as required.

Performs related duties as assigned and/or required by law.

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment or in probationers’ homes, including sitting for long periods, sitting/walking at will, close/far vision, lifting/carrying objects usually weighing less than 30 pounds, bending at waist, reaching and handling/grasping objects and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent may respond to a variety of situations involving potential physical harm to self or others, including being exposed to violent/irate individuals. Incumbent may work near fumes, odors, chemicals, dust and dirt, including exposure to meth labs and/or illegal drugs.

Incumbent may work evening hours, may work weekend hours and occasionally travels out of town for training and/or home visits, sometimes overnight.

Qualifications:

Must meet the minimum qualifications as established by the Judicial Conference of Indiana (

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services or related field

Must be at least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States.

Ability to meet all department hiring and retention requirements, including certification as a Probation Officer and passage of a background check. Ability to obtain 12 continuing education credits per year.

Ability to attend training for the Indiana Risk Assessment System and pass necessary testing to obtain IRAS certification as specified by the Indiana Judicial Center. Ability to complete all necessary re-certifications as specified by the Indiana Judicial Center.

Drug testing may be required for appointment to position with random testing for retention of position.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including practical knowledge of customary practices and procedures of Court and in supervision of adult offenders.

Knowledge of human motivation and behavior and ability to apply such knowledge to specific situations and cases.

Knowledge of alcohol and drugs, treatment programs and services available to clients from government, social, and private agencies, with ability to make referrals and assist clients with programs as needed.

Working knowledge of standard policies and practices of a probation department system/alcohol and drug program/problem solving courts, with ability to accurately prepare and complete required legal reports/forms/documents within established guidelines, make recommendations to the Court, maintain complete and accurate files, and apply and adapt procedures as cases demand.

Working knowledge of standard office procedures and computer software programs used by Adult Probation and CSAP, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks and operations.

Ability to operate standard equipment, including a computer, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and telephone.

Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to maintain complete and accurate files and prepare detailed written reports as required.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, clients, other City, County, State and Federal departments, Court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, community corrections, various treatment agencies, victims of crime, and members of the general public in a courteous and

tactful manner, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure.

Ability to understand general and specific directives and to work effectively in situations of potential stress and conflict with minimal supervision.

Ability to work with violent/irate individuals, handle situations involving potential physical harm to self and others and competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect.

Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

Ability to testify in legal proceedings/Court when needed.

Ability to occasionally work extended hours, evenings, and travel out of town, sometimes overnight, to attend conferences and/or home visits.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

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