Probation Officer

PROBATION OFFICER

Salary: $21.90 per hour ($45,552.00 annually)

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Supervisor – Criminal Justice Services

Civil Service Status: Classified

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week

Decision Band: C41

Department/Division: Criminal Justice Services

DISTINGUISHING JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

Probation Officers investigate and supervise defendants/offenders referred by the Court to Basic supervision. Officers are responsible for providing and maintaining information and documentation, administering sanctions, and referring defendants/offenders to services. The employee may occasionally have to travel out-of-state or county to return violators and will respond to emergency situations during off-hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons, covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

1. Supervises and monitors offenders granted Basic supervision by the Court to ensure compliance with supervision terms and conditions, including court-ordered financial obligations. Meets with defendants/offenders on a scheduled and unscheduled basis to monitor defendant/offender behavior, discuss problems and issues, and monitor completion of required treatments and court-ordered tasks. Supervises high-profile and/or large restitution

2. Prepares case plans and sets goals for defendants/offenders in accordance with conditions set by the Court. Identifies defendant/offender needs and makes referrals for assessment to the Court, mental health, substance abuse and/or other appropriate programs or persons for assistance. Structures a plan to enable defendants/offenders to be successfully terminated from supervision, and establishes and maintains rapport with offenders to decrease and modify criminal and anti-social behaviors. Visits jails to meet with defendants/offenders incarcerated on new charges, warrants or community control

3. Maintains timely and accurate case records by inputting current case information into CourtView and/or other case managements systems as

4. Makes home, collateral and employment visits to verify defendants/offender’s address and employment, and to monitor the defendants/offender’s home and

5. Conducts criminal record checks through Ohio Bureau of Investigation, FBI and other agencies. Investigates the defendant’s/offender’s background, collects information pertaining to defendant’s/offender’s family, employment, education, military service and other matters to help assess offender suitability for handling employment and other life issues, and for determining potential problems and needs when monitoring the defendant/offender.

6. Maintains records and documentation to record changes in address, employment and other matters. Issues Order to letters to inform defendant/offender of missed appointments and provide new appointment date. Completes and proofs reports and then submits to Supervisor for

7. Testifies in open court and makes recommendations. Attends revocation/violation, status, and other court hearings to provide input pertaining to the offender’s supervisio

8. Transports defendants/offenders to and from the Court, social service programs, and

9. Updates Streettime website with urinalysis

10. Transports defendants/offenders between jails and

11. Responds to and handles crisis calls from defendants/offenders, victims, family members, and the

12. Processes offenders onto supervision, in accordance with accreditation standards, by completing appropriate forms and documents. Collects information from court of record and requires defendant/offender to sign appropriate documentation with regard to their

13. Collects urine samples to determine if the defendant/offender is using illicit

14. Collects DNA samples from felony and selected misdemeanor offenders using a buccal swab

15. Attends revocation/violation, status and other court hearings to provide input pertaining to defendant s/offender s supervision. Gathers input from victims with regard to defendant s/offender s termination of

16. Prepares PSI and/or ILC investigative

17. Compiles statistical data reflecting number of defendants/offenders on supervision, terminations, warrants issued, transfers, and other information. Completes records including Offender Monitoring and Federal Statistics Forms. Prepares reports including Terminations from Supervision, Reinstatements to Supervision, Modification of Restitution, Jail Time Credit, and Investigation

18. Conducts searches and seizures for contraband or stolen property, and makes arrests when defendant/offender is in violation of supervision terms and conditions. Facilitates and/or prepares necessary documentation for the detention and/or arrest of defendant/offender.

19. Schedules offenders for assessments, if necessary, and directs them to the office and officer to whom they

20. Refers offender to or observes and collects urinalysis or breathalyzer samples to determine if offender is using illicit drugs or

21. Updates Streettime website with urinalysis

22. Obtain certification in approved risk assessment tool (ORAS) and conduct assessments in a timely

23. Complies with all Court and Departmental policies and

24. Submits cases in ICOTS for transfer through interstate compact. Facilitates transfers for out-of-county offenders to the Adult Parole Authority or other Ohio probation

25. Supervises courtesy supervision cases for other Ohio counties and submits timely progress

26. Other duties as

SCOPE OF SUPERVISION:

This position has no supervisory duties.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: 

Vehicle, computer, telephone, copier, fax machine, microfilm equipment, two-way radio, camera, PassPoint machine, breathalyzer, and other general office equipment.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS: 

Offenders/defendants; family members of offenders/defendants; victims; employers; attorneys; other Courts; Judges; bailiffs; law enforcement agencies; Children’s Services; treatment program agencies; Department of Human Services; general public.

CONFIDENTIAL DATA: 

Court records which include criminal records, psychological records, urinalysis records, military records, treatment recommendations, presentence investigation reports, Courtview records, mental health and chemical dependency assessments, and progress reports. Shall adhere to the Ohio Revised Code regarding confidentiality of probation records [149.43(A)].

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Good working conditions when working in the office. When working in the field, the employee is exposed to conditions within offender’s homes, employment and in high-crime areas. Possibility of exposure to hepatitis and bloodborne disease from contact with offenders and urinalysis samples. Possible exposure to risk of injury from physical assault. Occasional exposure to inclement weather.

USUAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The following physical demands are typically exhibited by position incumbents performing this job’s essential duties and responsibilities. These physical demands are not, and should not be construed to be job qualification standards, but are illustrated to help the employer, employee and/or applicant identify tasks where reasonable accommodations may need to be made when an otherwise qualified person is unable to perform the job’s essential duties because of an ADA disability.

While performing duties of this job, the employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Job can involve operating and sitting in a vehicle for periods of time. Employee converses verbally with others in person and by telephone. Vision demands include normal vision requirements but can include occasional viewing of computer screen requiring close focus.

RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification: Bachelor s Degree or equivalent training, experience or education in psychology, sociology, criminal justice or related field. Experience may be substituted for a degree.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: 

Knowledge of: Counseling; chemical dependency; social work; corrections; Ohio Revised Code as it pertains to probation functions; court system procedures and processes; criminal justice system; community social service agencies and resources; universal precautions for control of bloodborne pathogens; criminal justice services policies and procedures.

Ability to: Maintain good public relations as Court representative; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and job contacts; establish rapport with defendants/offenders of various social and economic backgrounds; perform under stress when confronted with an emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous situation; work with resistant clients; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; establish caseload priorities.

Skill in: Interviewing offenders/defendants, victims and others; completing statistical and essay reports; data input; operation of a computer; application of job software programs; evidence-based safety; analyzing data; preparing behavior modification programs; listening.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT(S):

  Valid Ohio driver’s license. If candidate does not possess an Ohio driver’s license, he/she has thirty (30) days from date of hire to obtain one.

Web Address: 

You can obtain a Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, application at www.montcourt.oh.gov.

Application: 

Applicants are required to complete the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, application which must be received by Human Resources no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. 

Employment Eligibility Information: 

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present to the Court, within three (3) days of their original appointment, original documents which show satisfactory proof of: 1) identity and 2) U.S. Citizenship or a legal right to work permanently in the United States.

Drug Testing, Physical and Criminal Background Check:

Prior to any candidate being offered a position or promotion with the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, they will be required to submit to a drug test (urinalysis) and physical at the Court s selected health care provider. Additionally, candidates being offered a position or promotion must pass a criminal background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

It is the policy of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, that no person shall be subjected to employment discrimination because of age, race, color, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, ancestry or national origin.

The Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities during the application, examination or selection process, if requested. Please notify Human Resources at 937-225-6161of the accommodations needed, preferably at the time of application, but no later than two days prior to the date needed.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT, GENERAL DIVISION BENEFITS 

Vacation Leave:

Vacation leave may be granted to full-time employees upon completion of one year of service with the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division. Twenty-six (26) bi-weekly pay periods in active status shall constitute one year of service.

Sick Leave: 

All Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division employees are entitled to Paid Personal Leave and Long Term Sick Leave Credit.

Holidays: 

Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, employees enjoy paid holidays.

Health Benefits/Medical Coverage: 

All employees of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, except part-time employees working 20 hours per week or less, employees hired for a temporary appointment, an interim appointment, or employees hired as substitutes, shall receive health benefits.

Life Insurance: 

All benefit-eligible employees of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, receive a $50,000 basic life insurance policy paid by Montgomery County.  Supplemental life insurance is available for purchase.

Retirement: 

Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, employees participate in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).  Employees contribute 10% of their salary; the Court contributes 14%.

In Addition: 

The Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division, offers its employees an Employee Assistance Program, access to a credit union, a Deferred Compensation Program, a Wellness Program, and direct payroll deposit.