Probation Officer - Juvenile Division

Posting number: 2370

Department: Probation

Job classification: Probation Officer

Posting type: Open

Categories: Probation

Summary

The probation and parole officer investigates, supervises, and counsels offenders in the county probation and parole system. Officers assist offenders on probation or parole in their personal, social, and economic adjustment in the community, including help with special problems such as chemical dependency, psychological difficulties, and anti-social behaviors. Offenders are supervised to ensure that they adhere to the conditions of probation and parole. Probation/parole officers work a seven day a week rotating shift as scheduled and are required to respond to emergency call outs on any day or time to administer to departmental needs as directed. They may also be scheduled to perform twenty-four hour On-Call duty responding to emergency calls from contracted service providers, other law enforcement agencies and the public. There is an element of physical danger in working with probation and parole violators and supervising offenders, therefore physical fitness is necessary, to include annual trainings and certifications in self-defense, use of force/control tactics, and the use of non-lethal weapons. Annual qualification and the carrying of a concealed department provided firearm while on duty is mandatory.

Examples of duties

• The probation and parole officer investigates, supervises, and counsels offenders in the county probation and parole system* Prepares pre-sentence investigation reports and pre-parole plans.* Makes collateral contacts with agencies, employers, friends, and families to obtain useful information to develop effective rehabilitation plans.* Investigates activities of offenders to ascertain whether or not they are violating terms of their sentence or probation or parole regulations.* Makes intelligent and informed decisions directly affecting public safety and the personal liberties of offenders.* Makes or assists in making arrests and transporting violators to correctional institutions.* Prepares all arrest and violation reports and revocation petitions.* Testifies at hearings.* Prepares special reports for the Court as required.* Establishes and monitors payment schedule of fines, restitution, and supervision fees against clients as ordered by the Court.* Conducts urinalysis and breath alcohol testing.* Performs other duties as directed.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of casework principles and practices.* Knowledge of the principles and methods of probation and parole investigation and supervision.* Knowledge of Court procedures and county probation and parole policies and procedures.* Knowledge of modern principles of criminology and penology.* Knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on behavior deviations of persons who have been convicted of crimes.* Knowledge of current social, economic, and addiction problems.* Knowledge of treatment resources to assist offenders in coping skills for these problems, with special emphasis on factors relating to crime and the rehabilitation of criminals.* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, agencies, and institutions.* Ability to make decisions on cases independently and with professional judgment.* Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and records and to communicate clear and pertinent information orally and in writing.* Ability to meet the physical demands of annual self-defense, use of force and control tactics training and certification.* Ability to meet the physical demands of annual certification in the use of non-lethal weapons.

Supplemental information

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably within the criminal justice or sociology field of study. One year experience in probation and parole or other social work is desired but not mandatory.* Successful completion of a one year probation officer intern program.* All probation and parole officers undergo a six month trial period followed by a six month probation period from the date of employment to develop and gain an understanding of policies and procedures and to develop competency and the judgment necessary to supervise offenders effectively.

  Attention: All new hires must qualify annually with a department issued firearm and ammunition on a designated course as instituted and approved by the Pennsylvania Firearms Education and Training Commission.