Adult Probation Officer

Lake County•Waukegan, IL

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in probation and other community supervision services. The primary responsibility is to assist probationers in solving problems and making necessary adjustments to reduce law-violating behavior. The position also supervises defendants’ conduct in the community and their adherence to court-ordered conditions. Officers perform investigative functions and submit reports to the court regarding defendants’ social and criminal histories. The work requires independent judgment, initiative, and familiarity with the standards, policies, and functions of the 19th Judicial Circuit. Work hours vary by unit. Evening and weekend work may be assigned, and the officer may be required to be on call during conventional and non-conventional hours, including evenings and weekends. The officer uses Core Correctional Practices and other evidence-based practices and tools, including risk assessments, motivational interviewing, targeted interventions, positive reinforcement, outcome measures, and feedback. The position includes meaningful client interaction and interventions, participation in evidence-based individual or group services, crisis response and follow-up, court appearances, case documentation, referrals to supportive services, and monitoring court-ordered conditions. Officers complete court reports and intake or orientation processes; maintain required LEADS certifications; conduct urinalysis and breathalyzer testing; process revocation petitions and impose administrative sanctions according to policy; collect DNA samples for submission to the Illinois State Police; maintain contact with victims and collateral contacts; and track pending matters and court outcomes. Duties and responsibilities may change, and additional duties may be assigned. Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background screening and drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Lake County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must be an Illinois resident; Wisconsin residency may be permitted with prior approval.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must pass an extensive criminal background check.
Must pass a physical examination.
Knowledge of modern social service practices and casework philosophy, methods, and practices.
Knowledge of investigative methods, practices, and procedures.
Ability to deal with difficult offenders in the community.
Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations.
Significant ethical integrity.
Ability to solve problems effectively.
Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, judges, attorneys, clients, and the general public.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts.
Ability to use a computer; knowledge of PC operations and word-processing and spreadsheet software.

Nice To Haves

Major coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assist probationers with problem solving and adjustments intended to reduce law-violating behavior.
Supervise defendants’ conduct in the community and monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions.
Investigate and submit reports to the court concerning defendants’ social and criminal histories.
Use evidence-based practices and tools, including risk assessments, motivational interviewing, targeted interventions, positive reinforcement, outcome measures, and feedback.
Provide meaningful client interaction and interventions, and participate in evidence-based individual or group services.
Respond to client crisis situations and provide appropriate follow-up services.
Appear in court to provide oral reports or testimony concerning assigned defendants or probationers.
Maintain complete, timely, and accurate records, reports, logs, and case files.
Refer clients to supportive services and maintain contact with service agencies for the duration of services.
Complete court reports, including bond reports, risk assessments, IPS and Problem-Solving Court assessments, status reports, criminal history reports, and limited inquiries, as assigned or ordered.
Complete comprehensive probation and compliance intakes and/or pretrial orientations.
Maintain LEADS certifications as required.
Conduct urinalysis and breathalyzer testing.
Process petitions for revocation and impose administrative sanctions according to policy.
Collect DNA samples and submit them to the Illinois State Police.
Maintain regular and ongoing contact with victims and/or collateral contacts.
Track pending matters and court outcomes for assigned clients.
Work evenings or weekends and be on call when assigned.