Monday Through Friday Ravalli County Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION: Pretrial/Misdemeanor Probation Officer

Open until Filled

Grade: 10

Pay Rate: $22.11/hour

Benefits: Eligible for full benefits/PERS

POSITION: Pretrial/Misdemeanor Probation Officer

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

The following chain of command: Jail Diversion Administrator, Undersheriff, Sheriff

SUMMARY OF WORK:

The MPO shall monitor and clearly document all Misdemeanor Supervision functions of Ravalli County. In so doing, he/she shall show professional judgment and adhere to RCSO Policy and Procedures. The MPO shall provide firm, fair, and consistent misdemeanor services in a team setting which is supportive of a crime-free lifestyle.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision from the Jail Diversion Program Administrator and is subject to the direction of any MPO of higher rank in absence of Administrator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB ACCOUNTABILITY:

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address office needs and changing office practices.

1. The Misdemeanor Programs are aligned with local and county courts; therefore, MPO is required to work the same business hour schedule as these agencies, which currently is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This schedule allows the MPO to coordinate cases for these agencies and also gives offenders/agencies the ability to access staff during normal business hours. Probation officers are given a one-hour lunch break. Overtime must be preauthorized by the Undersheriff.
2. The probation officer is assigned a caseload to manage. Blanket approval for schedule changes for the required workday will be available as the pace of work, the familiarity of probation officer with their own clients, and the number of clients make it difficult for one probation officer to routinely work Monday through Friday.
3. Monitor court mandates placed on the offender by the court.
4. Act as a referral agent to offenders in need of assistance.
5. Complete thorough intakes, documenting demographic, employment, identification information, and Court mandates on offenders in the agency database for misdemeanor probation. Complete Releases of Information, Risk Assessments, and Probation Contracts on each offender.
6. Track all fees for all clients assigned. Work with referral sources regarding clients who have not paid fees.
7. Work closely with LACs and other appropriate agencies to schedule Intervention Hearings for all Misdemeanor Probation clients that provide a positive UA or BA throughout their program.
8. Provide court testimony regarding progress notes and/or an offenders failure to comply with the conditions of probation and make recommendations for future actions.
9. Investigate alleged violations.
10. Coordinate the arrest and detention of an offender when it becomes necessary in order to protect the community and hold offenders accountable for serious violations of probation supervision.
11. Write reports of violation and affidavits of violation to the appropriate authorities as needed.
12. Maintain risk assessed levels of supervision, and document appropriately a supervision plan and phases.
13. Complete cross-training in other procedures and certifications of technology such as SCRAM CAM, SCRAM Remote Breath, SCRAM GPS, Drug Patch and Urinalysis Testing.
14. Contact employers, trainers, teachers, and/or supervisors to verily the offenders attendance, pay scales, work schedules, and performances as appropriate.
15. Search an offenders person and property for home visitations as required by Court order and/or Standard Operating Procedures.
16. Keep accurate documentation and concise notes which address meetings held with offenders, community contacts made regarding offenders, urinalysis testing and breathalyzer testing conducted on offenders, and any instructions given to them.
17. Assist in maintaining a referral mechanism with courts and maintain a professional relationship with legal correctional services.
18. Maintain documentation of all activities performed under established guidelines using the agency database.
19. Complete certification in the use of the X26 Taser and maintain annual recertification.
20. Complete treatment updates monthly on those offenders who are completing treatment with other agencies and document each update.
21. Attend Court arraignments, open Court, hearings, and advisory meetings as requested by the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office.
22. Act as Probation Officer after hours on call on a rotating schedule as determined by the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office.

Other:

1. The MPO is responsible for informing their supervisor of significant developments related to supervision. Such issues are to be reported expediently, based on his/her assessment of the importance of the issue. Examples include:

1. Any resident involvement in the legal system or in violation of program rules and regulations.
2. Threats of legal action.
3. Public Relations problems.
4. Resident complaints.
5. Fraternization issues.
6. Medical incidents/accidents.
7. Any suspected or confirmed violation of agency rules by clients.

1. The MPO is expected to report to his/her supervisor in an expedient fashion all areas of noncompliance with program procedures, along with suggested remedial plans or interventions.
2. The MPO is expected to be flexible in assuming new duties and schedule changes. He/she is to be creative in establishing or modifying program operation procedures and obtaining approval of the appropriate authority previous to implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, and regulations including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses.
• Use of firearms and other modern police equipment.
• Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects.
• Principles and applications of public relations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic principles of report preparation.
• Geography of the County.
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.

Ability to:

• The ability to relate with offenders in firm, empathetic fashion and good interaction skills so as to be able to relate with referral agencies and to handle public relations responsibilities.
• Possess good writing and verbal skills
• Type 40 words per minute.
• Experience and demonstrated ability in records management.
• Organize, manage time effectively, and keep records orderly and up to date.
• Work in a team environment with a positive attitude.
• Interpret and explain County law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations.
• Assess situations/people accurately.
• Effectively use and qualify with law enforcement tools and weapons including firearms and other safety equipment.
• Operate specialized law enforcement equipment including specialized police vehicles and radios.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence.
• Apply interview techniques
• Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Control violent people and affect arrests.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and routine correspondence.
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Work irregular and on-call hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Meet and maintain the Sheriffs Office firearms qualifications standards.
• Meet office background requirements.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A preferred Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice or other combination of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements, may be substituted. Preferred experience in correction system. Direct public relations experience. Experience in computer database management and word processing. Pass oral interview and background investigation. Must satisfactorily complete the Misdemeanor Probation Officer basic training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy as provided in 44-4-301 (Must obtain within one year of hire. Meet minimum requirements as set forth by Montana State Statutes.

License or Certificates:

Possession of a valid Montana drivers license

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• This position will be located within the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office. We promote public safety and challenge offenders to become responsible, productive citizens though firm, fair, consistent supervision, treatment, and education.