Parole Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION:                 PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER I-ADULT PROBATION

                                    FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt  

                                    UNION STATUS:  Union

REPORTS TO:           SUPERVISOR

POSITION OVERVIEW:

A Probation/Parole Officer I position is responsible for performing routine professional social service and law enforcement duties in a county probation/parole system.  A Probation/Parole Officer supervises individuals on probation, individuals released from the local correctional facility who have been placed on parole and inmates in a release program.  This position monitors activities, counsels and facilitates the social adjustment of these individuals by referring them to social, governmental or community agencies for a variety of social problems.  When needed, a Probation/Parole Officer will investigate and take appropriate action concerning violations of conditions of parole or probation including new crimes and unacceptable behavior and provides representation of the Department at Court Hearings concerning alleged violations.  A small number of Probation/Parole officers are exclusively assigned to interview offenders and write specialized reports for use by the Courts in sentencing procedures.   Another unit of probation officers is designed specifically to work with offenders granted parole/re-parole to provide enhanced re-entry support services during the first critical year of supervision, when the likelihood to re-offend is highest.  Within this unit is a specialized probation officer who is trained to deal with the unique needs and challenges presented by sex offenders and domestic violence offenders.  These offenders display a multitude of deceit and manipulation tactics which require more surveillance to be safely managed in the community.

 Probation/Parole Officers are peace officers under state law and are trained in the use of firearms and are prepared to apprehend and arrest violators. Although law and well-defined procedures regulate the required work, this position involves decision making directly affecting the public safety and personal liberties of individuals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related human services field; or

A Master’s degree or satisfactory completion of one (1) year of graduate study from an accredited college or university(at least 24 credits) in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field; or

One (1) year as a probation officer aide working towards a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral sciences, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field and qualification in accordance with the Exceptional Person procedure

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Act 151(Child Abuse) and Act 34 (Criminal History) clearances

Possession of a valid  driver’s license.

Pre-employment physical

Note: This position is subject to random drug testing.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the knowledge and ability to apply casework principles and practices.  To interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, legal codes, court procedures and executive orders affecting probation and parole.   Display professional demeanor and deportment at all times, including verbal, written and electronic communication while in the performance of their duties.  Some knowledge is needed of criminology, penology and the structure and functions of the components of the judicial system; human behavior and the ability to distinguish between normal and dysfunctional behavior/ personality; community resources and the ability to determine appropriate resources for assessment and treatment of physical, mental, and social disorders; operation of a personal computer, basic software programs and other office equipment; drugs, addiction and drug testing methods. Ability is required to positively and effectively influence offenders; to maintain cooperative and positive work relationships both internally with co-workers and externally with other agencies; to function independently and manage one’s time effectively; to gather and analyze facts and consider all outcomes before decisions or recommendations are made; to speak and understand the English language;  to orally and in writing  present ideas, thoughts , facts, logically and clearly in a concise manner utilizing appropriate language skills and grammar; to listen and combine pieces of information to form general conclusions or identify problems; to maintain confidentiality in regard to offender information and records. The willingness and ability to travel as needed to perform all job related functions. The willingness and ability to be trained in the use of firearms, intermediate/impact weapons approved by the department, and to be certified to carry a firearm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

An employee in this classification is responsible for performing assignments that are technical in nature and are carried out in accordance with probation and parole practices, procedures and precedents and any applicable legal standards or regulations. Specific job duties include the following:

• Inform offenders or inmates of conditions of probation/parole such as office visits, costs, fines and restitution payments, educational, treatment and employment stipulations.
• Counsel offenders and provide supportive services to help offenders with their personal, social and economic adjustment to the community. Discuss with offenders how issues such as anger and addiction play roles in criminal behavior.
• Arrange for social assistance and other post release services such as employment, housing, education, and counseling.
• Arrange for medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs and/or court orders.
• Develop case plans for assigned offenders or inmates establishing goals and objectives based on risk and needs.
• Complete case supervision reviews on an annual or semi-annual basis as required.
• Evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and objectives and maintaining the terms specified in their conditions of probation
• Investigate alleged parole violations using interviews, surveillance, and search and seizure.
• Gather information about offender’s backgrounds by talking to offenders, families and friends and other people with relevant information.
• Prepare and maintain a case folder for each assigned inmate or offender and record and file documents according to established procedures.
• Write reports describing offender’s progress. Make recommendations for remedial action or court action when terms of probation or parole are not complied with.
• Conduct pre-sentence investigations and prepare a written factual report for the Court’s use in sentencing procedures.

• Determine the guideline sentence in accordance with the applicable sentencing guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Commission of Sentencing.  Incorporate the sentencing guidelines in the recommendation portion of the pre-sentence report.
• Perform risk/needs assessment on applicable offenders according to agency protocol.
• Complete/submit monthly and annual statistical reports when directed.
• Testify in court regarding noncompliance with the terms of probation and parole, present evidence that substantiates the violations, and make recommendations to the Court for appropriate sanctioning.
• Attend court hearings such as arraignment, pleas, sentencing or any other hearings pertaining to probation /parole supervision.
• Assess the suitability of re-parole for parole violators and submit recommendations to the Judge when re-parole is appropriate.
• Collect fines, costs and restitution and monitor compliance with the established payment agreement.
• Conduct arrests and transport offenders when required.
• Develop liaisons and networks with local police, attorneys, community agencies, correctional staff, and others who play a role in offender’s rehabilitation or re-entry into the community
• Attend continuing education and workshops to stay current in offender treatment issues, deviant behaviors, legal issues, etc.  Attend training in the use of firearms and self defense and complete all certification requirements established.
• Perform related work as required by the supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

The work environment and physical demands described here 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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.   The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feels objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; smell.  The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle.  The employee will be required to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak and demonstrate emotional stability.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold and heat.  The noise in the work environment is usually moderate.  The work is subject to frequent disruptions and moderate degrees of stress.  Work may involve contact with volatile and potentially hostile or aggressive offenders.  Periodically work will require different shifts or on-call as needed.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required the Supervisor/Deputy Chief/Chief of Probation.