Community Corrections Officer

Osceola County•Kissimmee, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a professional Corrections position that is primarily responsible for the assessment and supervision of pretrial or probation defendants. This position is also responsible for providing required information to the Courts in a timely manner. This position requires good communication, conflict management and problem-solving, time management, initiative and accountability, professionalism, integrity, and good judgment. Assigned duties require attention to detail, and effective oral and written communication skills. Work is performed under the general supervision of a supervisor or designee. Performance is evaluated on accuracy, efficiency, and achievement of desired results.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Public Administration or closely related field from an accredited college or university
One (1) year of experience in probation, pretrial release, community corrections, counseling, evidence based programs, case management, social work, and/or corrections.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Must be FCIC/NCIC certified within thirty (30) days of hire.
Ability (and willingness) to adapt hours and efforts to demands of divisional caseload, which could include working hours outside normal scheduled workday.
Knowledge of investigative methods, practices, principles, and procedures applicable to Pretrial and Probation Services.
Knowledge of social services programs and other community resources related to the area of assignment.
Ability to gather and compose data, prepare pertinent reports, and maintain records.
Ability to properly conduct investigations pertaining to program eligibility and compliance.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and apply good judgment, firmness, and tact in carrying out duties.
Ability to effectively perform duties under stressful conditions.
Ability to properly react (physically and mentally) to challenging or dangerous situations.
Ability to read, understand, analyze, and follow through with oral and written data.
Ability to interact in a positive/professional manner and gain the confidence and cooperation of clients, families, etc. (requires good powers of observation, perception, and analysis.)
Ability to efficiently use a personal computer, with ability to quickly learn software programs applicable to area of assignment.
Knowledge of modern pretrial or probation practices and principles.
Knowledge of, and ability to effectively apply, principles underlying human behavior, growth, and development.
Knowledge of social sciences, including sociology, psychology, and economics.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively interact with defendants in a tactful, firm, and professional manner.
Thorough knowledge of criminal justice and probation systems, case management and rehabilitation principles, practices, procedures, and systems; knowledge of field supervision.
Thorough knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
Thorough knowledge of court and case management procedures and terminology.
Skill in reading, analyzing, and interpreting professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and legal documentation.
Ability to prioritize work, organize and make sound judgments in offender supervision both in the office and the field; skill in program planning and management.
Ability to work independently in an office and field environment.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communications with offenders, social service agencies, co-workers, department management, members of the judiciary, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides professional case management and supervision to pretrial or probation defendants, ensuring protection and security to the community; monitors the status of defendant compliance with court ordered terms and conditions.
Completes risk/needs assessments on all defendants for caseload assignment and to evaluate and identify defendants’ needs; connects defendants with community resources and referrals; embraces evidence-based practices and reentry and rehabilitative initiatives
Administers risk assessments to evaluate the risk of reoffending and flight and to assign appropriate supervision level.
Employs motivational interviewing skills during interviews, assessments, and face-to-face contacts.
Conducts initial intake orientations as necessary.
Documents each defendant’s progress or lack thereof in completing program requirements and follows established local procedures for dealing with noncompliance violations and serious incidents.
Verifies background information provided by the defendant, including residence, employment, and criminal histories.
Complies when applicable state and federal requirements for privacy, confidentiality, security, collection, storage and dissemination of criminal history, substance abuse and medical history information.
Maintains computer case files and record keeping systems according to County requirements.
Prepares court reports and testifies in court proceedings regarding the status of defendants.
Refers defendants to appropriate agencies for services as needed and monitors participation in same.
Participates in staff meetings and attends relevant trainings.
Conducts intake interviews and record checks on all defendants placed on pretrial or probation.
Conducts urinalysis screenings, when necessary.
Notifies the Court in a timely manner of any new law violations or non-compliance issues.
Adapts, modifies, practices and changes behaviors to incorporate evidence-based practices (EBP) and best practices as they are implemented within the agency.
Conducts office, home, and field visits to defendant’s homes to verify residency and ensure public safety through compliance with court ordered conditions.
Attends and participates in court hearings.
Documents and maintains records of all contacts with defendants, including phone calls, emails, office and/or field visits, mail-in reports, etc.
Instructs defendants on court dates, issue travel permits and complete all updates to the database regarding a defendant’s status or personal information.
Provides referral information (e.g. vocational, educational, and social services).
Provides crises intervention when needed.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with attorneys, judges, law enforcement agencies, etc.
Enters defendant data in the computer system and review all information to ensure all information is complete and accurate.
Maintains complete files on all open and closed cases and ensure the accuracy of all documents.
Assists in the development and delivery of targeted programing for offenders/inmates.
Serves as a liaison with all segments of the criminal justice community; judiciary, law enforcement, community programs.
Provide training and complete Daily Observation Reports for new employees as needed or assigned.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Interview all defendants booked into the jail facilities and collect, investigate, verify demographic and criminal history information, including but not limited to pending charges, probation/supervision status, family ties, residence stability, victim information, and employment history by using data systems, contacting personal references, and employment references, etc. to determine authenticity of information.
Conducts pretrial risk assessments to determine offender’s risk of failing to appear and risk of pretrial misconduct.
Verifies information received from the defendant by accessing secure local and national crime databases and by contacting and interviewing the defendant’s employers, family, friends, neighbors, and others.
Reviews Arrest Affidavits and analyzes and evaluates all information received to determine degree of security risk.
Makes administrative release decisions per the Administrative Order or make recommendations to the Judge regarding release.
Prepares reports on defendants after assessment for the Court including Pretrial Release recommendations and present these reports orally and in writing to the Court.
Prepares individually tailored release plans or agreements consistent with conditions of Release.
Monitors the jail population for non-sentenced inmates who qualify for pretrial release and have not bonded out.
Supervises a caseload of pretrial defendants with felony and/or misdemeanor charges and monitors compliance for the protection of the community.
Identifies defendants with mental health and substance abuse needs and veteran status.
Supervises a caseload of misdemeanor probationers and county diversion program participants and monitors compliance for the protection of the community.
Develops and oversees case plans based on the needs of the defendant and the conditions ordered by the court.
Conducts monthly contacts for all defendants on probation.
Reviews monthly or other periodic reports from treatment providers and takes appropriate remedial actions as necessary.
Coordinates and tracks community service work.
Facilitates classes/groups in line with evidence-based practices.
Facilitates transfer of supervision to other jurisdictions.
Processes violations of probation or county diversion program rejections, as required.
Advocates for defendants and conducts correctional interventions.
Refers defendants to appropriate services and monitors defendants’ progress in court referred programs.
Appears in court and testifies in criminal cases when appropriate.