District Court Probation Officer

Van Buren County•South Haven, MI

7h•$30

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the District Court Administrator, the Probation Officer conducts interviews, investigations, and makes recommendations to the court regarding client supervision. May be assigned to work at District Court East, District Court West or both as directed.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and practices.
Must be able to prioritize and manage telephone calls, walk-in customers, forms processing, and other assignments.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to read and comprehend court pleadings.
Must be able to operate basic office equipment, i.e. PC, copier, multi-line telephone, calculator, scanner, and facsimile machine, etc.
Must possess excellent organizational skills.
Must possess excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
Must be able to adapt to change and technology innovations.
Must be able to read and analyze, evaluate, and organize court orders, statutes, procedures, guidelines, policies, and court rules.
Must be able and willing to stay current with technological changes including the use of new software, hardware, and any related updates.
Must have demonstrated ability to deal with a high volume of customers in a courteous and professional manner.
Must have demonstrated ability to follow all rules, policies, and procedures of the court/probation department.
Must communicate in a professional manner with case parties, attorneys, coworkers, and others.
Must be able to prioritize and manage the demands of a large number of court cases.
Must be able and willing to attend trainings for professional development.
Must be able to perform job responsibilities and provide customer service in a bias-free manner.
A Bachelor’s degree is required, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience in criminal justice, substance abuse, mental health, probation, child welfare, or other court settings.
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and simultaneously handle multiple tasks of varying degrees of difficulty.
Ability to appropriately respond to crisis situations.
Proficiency with standard office applications.
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history and fingerprint check, and drug screen.
Applicant must complete County application form.
Must adhere to the Court’s Model Code of Conduct for Trial Court Employees.

Responsibilities

Organize and maintain client files and records.
Work professionally with attorneys, law enforcement, and social services agencies to coordinate intervention plans.
Conduct investigations, write reports, and make supervision recommendations to the court for both pretrial services and district court probation.
Investigate, implement, and collect outstanding fines and costs for all Van Buren County Court case types.
Supervise clients, develop and implement treatment programs, and provide general counseling for both pretrial services and district court probation.
Collect urine and breath samples for drug and alcohol screenings.
Coordinate with Law Enforcement and conduct home visits/field contacts with probation clients to investigate and verify address, living conditions, home contents, and cohabitants.
Assist clients with employment searches, resume writing, and interview skills.
Assist clients seeking educational opportunities, such as GED and high school diploma preparation and testing.
Assist clients with securing appropriate housing.
Assist clients seeking military service opportunities.
Assist clients with general life skills, such as budgeting, banking, computer skills, and other necessary needs.
Assist with supervision of defendants on bond who have been ordered to submit to electronic monitoring (GPS/SCRAM tether) and install/remove devices as needed.
Attend and testify at court hearings.
Monitor the behavior and progress of clients, evaluate violations, and decide appropriate actions to be taken.
Complete required monthly reports.
Determine the existence of any Michigan child support cases, gather information from probationers related to address, income, and ability to earn, document inquiry, and share information with other IV-D child support workers.
May be required to travel to and perform duties at either District Court location as needed.
May be assigned to specialty court cases as directed.
May be required to work flexible hours which could include early mornings or evenings.
May be assigned to occasionally work from home, as feasible, with reliable internet and personal computer.
May perform other responsibilities as directed by the court.