CSCD Adult Probation Officer

Nueces County

About The Position

The Adult Probation Officer provides responsible supervision to assigned probationers to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions and serves the courts of Nueces County, the community, and offenders. The role includes screening and evaluating people placed on community supervision, maintaining complete case records, processing required case and court documents, monitoring fees and compliance, and reporting violations. The officer also makes required contacts and field visits, collects and observes urinalysis, refers probationers to resources, and assists courts with revocation hearings and testimony. Occasional weekend and evening work may be directed by a supervisor. The position requires a bachelor’s degree meeting Texas Government Code §76.005 criteria. Depending on the degree field, additional graduate study or relevant full-time work experience is required. The officer must obtain state CJAD certification within one year of employment and maintain reliable transportation, a valid Texas driver’s license, and appropriate liability insurance. Official transcripts are required at interview. Applicants are subject to specified exclusions related to peace-officer employment, community supervision, parole, criminal sentences, and pending charges. The job requires knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminology, behavioral and social concepts, casework techniques, relevant law and regulations, and automated systems. The officer must communicate professionally, manage multiple projects, analyze case information, maintain effective working relationships, and work with minimal supervision. Physical duties include prolonged sitting, handling objects or controls, occasional reaching and lifting up to 25 pounds, and successful completion of departmental Defensive Tactics Training. The work environment is generally quiet, with occasional moderate to moderately high noise. Office layout must place the officer closest to the exit, and the officer must maintain a professional appearance and communicate effectively in court.

Requirements

Meet the eligibility criteria for appointment as an officer under Texas Government Code §76.005.
Hold a bachelor’s degree conferred by an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
If the bachelor’s degree is not in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Corrections, Counseling, Human Services Development, Law, Law Enforcement, Police Science, Pre-Law, Public Administration, Rehabilitative Studies, Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology, have either one year of graduate study in one of those fields or one year of full-time experience in casework, counseling, or community or group work.
Provide official transcripts at the time of interview.
Become certified by the state (CJAD) as a community supervision officer within one year of employment.
Possess and maintain personal reliable transportation, a valid Texas driver’s license, and appropriate liability insurance.
Have sound knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminology, behavioral and social concepts, social casework techniques, and applicable statutes and regulations.
Demonstrate some knowledge of automated systems, procedures, and applications.
Analyze and interpret policies, procedures, operational plans, and activities.
Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally in oral and written formats.
Manage numerous projects simultaneously.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, defendants, agencies, and the public.
Gather, analyze, and evaluate facts and develop individual case plans and dispositions.
Function with minimal supervision and direction.
Successfully complete Defensive Tactics Training provided by the department.
Be ineligible for employment if employed as a peace officer or working as a reserve or volunteer peace officer; currently on community supervision, bond or pretrial bond, or parole; serving a criminal sentence; or facing pending criminal charges.

Responsibilities

Supervise, screen, and evaluate probationers on community supervision to monitor compliance with court orders.
Conduct criminal history reports according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Maintain accurate, detailed documentation and chronological records of referrals, assessments, reassessments, violations, and other offender activity.
Complete screening, assessment, case plan, presentence report, pretrial intake, discharge, and other required forms.
Process documents including terminations, motions to revoke, bond forfeitures, compliance and non-compliance forms, and satisfactory completion forms.
Notify the court promptly of probation violations according to court policy.
Ensure fees are addressed promptly, correctly receipted, documented, and reflected in community supervision conditions.
Conduct monthly caseload counts and prepare statistical reports due on the last day of each month.
Refer probationers to appropriate resource agencies as directed by the court.
Collect and observe urinalysis and document it accurately and promptly.
Make required face-to-face and collateral contacts and conduct random field visits.
Work occasional weekends and evenings as directed by a supervisor.
Assist courts with revocation hearings and provide testimony as required.
Provide assistance to other CSCD units.
Maintain professional conduct and contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.
Maintain accurate personal timekeeping records.