Community Sanctions Officer

City of Columbus Careers•Columbus, OH

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Sanctions Officer position is located within the Community Sanctions Unit of the Probation Department and assists in the areas of Community Service, restitution, provided no convictions (PNC), and Non-Reporting Community Sanctions (NRCS). A Community Sanctions Officer serves as a Community Service Placement Officer, Restitution Officer, PNC, and NRCS officer. This position is under the general direction of the Chief Probation Officer and the immediate direction of the Community Sanctions Supervisor.

Requirements

A high school diploma is required.
One year of experience in courts, corrections, behavioral health, or a related field.
Knowledge of common office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Proficiency in operating a personal computer and using, or being able to learn, Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and the Court’s case management software.
An ability to type with speed and accuracy and to use a personal computer for entering data, filling in form letters, and printing documents; read and copy records precisely; arrange items in alphabetical or numerical order; assess questions and provide information; complete routine forms; and lift up to ten (10) pounds.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to function in a high-volume, high-stress environment.
Ability to effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in written form, English to diverse audiences.
Ability to receive feedback, willingness to learn, and embrace continuous improvement.
Pleasant personality and ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships with judges, employees, and others conducting business with the Court.
Ability to work in a collaborative, team environment.
Conscious of and sensitive to the diversity within the Court’s jurisdiction and able to interact professionally with this diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds on a regular basis.
Professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for all positions and the work environment expected of the court.
Demonstrated dependability, reliability, and excellent attendance record.
Excellent time-management skills, ability to prioritize work, ability to work independently, and ability to work under time constraints.
Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, and adaptability.
This position requires the successful completion of the screening process and passage of tests for Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS), the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which includes Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Interstate Identification Information Systems (III), functions. Certification testing will be required following the hire and the orientation program.
Maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of experience relating to probation, pretrial, parole, or the community supervision of defendants.
Successful completion of the state’s probation officer certification standard.
An associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a paralegal certification, or other advanced schooling.
An understanding of legal terminology and procedures.
The ability to speak and write Spanish or a language commonly used by people of Somalia for whom English is a second language.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).

Responsibilities

Promote, model, and abide by the Vision, Mission, policies, and procedures of the Probation Department
Maintain accurate, current, and thorough documentation and records.
Contribute to a strong, supportive, and productive team environment.
Assist in administrative functions that include coordinating and directing the public.
Assist with data reporting, collection, and analysis.
Maintain confidentiality of the Court and Probation Department information
Greet and interact with the public, including Judges, attorneys, clients, and community partners In a pleasant and professional manner.
Maintain sensitive and confidential information of the Court and Probation Department
Possess strong organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Perform light filing and clerical duties.
Attend court hearings when necessary.
Operate various office equipment (phones, personal computer, copier, scanner, etc.).
Perform other tasks assigned and may fulfill roles of other positions in other departments of the Court as needed.
Crosstrain and perform job duties of a Community Service Placement Officer, Restitution Officer, Non-Reporting Community Sanctions Officer, and a Provided No Convictions Violations Enforcement Officer as directed.
Complete case intake information, conduct case investigations when required, determine appropriate placement, and refer to a participating agency.
Schedule work assignments: monitor cases for compliance or noncompliance of community service hours and notify the Court and/or probation officer of compliance issues.
Monitor and maintain cases assigned to the Community Service Unit that are on a non-reporting or order-in status with the Court.
Maintain chronological entries of case notes in the docket of the Court’s case management software.
Review unique and unusual cases for specific direction.
Prepare a schedule for all Community Service cases.
Maintain community service provider agency records.
Maintain a harmonious relationship with approved community service agencies, law enforcement officers, the community, and all Court personnel.
Interact with court staff to provide them with data and support.
Locate and establish contact with victims of crime, investigate, determine, collect, and disburse restitution monies to the victim(s).
Maintain a record of payments and disbursements in the Court’s case management software.
Assist in monitoring all restitution cases.
Maintain chronological entries of case notes in the docket of the Court’s case management software.
Review unique and unusual cases for specific direction.
Conduct new intakes.
Monitor case progress for completion of restitution payments.
Interact with court staff to provide them with data and support.
Monitor for new charges, convictions, and other non-compliance on cases placed on PNC and NRCS status.
Distribute Notices of Pending Charges and Case Dispositions Forms to probation staff.
Secure disposition entries from Municipal and Common Pleas Courts on new conviction cases.
Prepare PNC and Statement of Violations as directed by the Unit Supervisor and per Department standards.
Log new clients, conduct intake procedures on PNC or NRCS, and note any specific monitoring instructions provided by the Court.
Maintain harmonious relationships with judges, bailiffs, attorneys, probation staff, the community, and clients.

Benefits

medical, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance
short-term disability
generous vacation, sick and personal leave
11 paid holidays
longevity service payments
sick-leave reciprocity
employee assistance and deferred-compensation programs
tuition reimbursement
credit-union membership
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) which provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits