Parole Officer

State of Indiana•Gary, IN

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Correction’s Division of Parole Services provides community-based supervision and services to adult offenders transitioning from correctional facilities to community supervision, with the goal of enhancing public safety through evidence-based practices. The division operates district offices across Indiana. This Parole Officer position covers Parole District 6 and involves assessing and supervising parolees, supporting their transition into the community, conducting investigations, and coordinating with community and justice-system partners. The role carries moderate to high consequences of error, potentially affecting the safety and security of employees and parolees. The salary traditionally starts at $47,320 and may be commensurate with education and work experience.

Requirements

Must test negative on all drug screenings.
Must qualify for and maintain firearm certification upon hire and carry a firearm while performing duties; this includes successfully completing Parole Academy during initial onboarding.
Broad knowledge of laws, rules, departmental policies, and procedures concerning supervision of paroled offenders.
Working knowledge of community-based resources, including education, employment, counseling, and rehabilitation resources.
Extensive problem-solving ability related to case management.
Ability to accurately assess offender risk and report signs of illness and inappropriate behavior.
Ability to conduct thorough and accurate investigations into parolees’ activities, including community investigations.
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with parolees, their families, employers, program providers, local law enforcement, judges, and other local officials.
Strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to apply them as needed.
High school diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE), and at least two years of full-time professional experience in criminal justice, correctional counseling, criminology, parole or probation work, law enforcement, social work, or a related area, with experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. A degree is not required.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Complete an initial risk assessment and re-entry accountability plan for each offender, and complete subsequent plans as required by policy.
Maintain and provide accurate electronic and written records concerning all aspects of assigned parolees’ supervision.
Communicate with parolees and complete case notes as required, meeting at work sites, homes, offices, or other locations.
Monitor parolees’ movement, housing, employment, and services, including those for registered sex offenders.
Provide counseling and direction to offenders transitioning into the community, including assistance with securing employment, schooling, training, or housing.
Develop and promote community resources for offender programs and treatment, and maintain records of those resources.
Conduct community-based investigations for clemency and parole, including investigations of parole violations, in accordance with departmental and state laws and procedures.
Apprehend offenders who have violated parole conditions when necessary.
Serve as an expert witness or subject matter expert in legal proceedings and hearings.
Hold probable cause hearings and administer drug and alcohol screenings to offenders.
Respond to emergency contacts on a 24-hour, seven-days-per-week basis.
Transport or assist in transporting offenders to departmental facilities.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with a bi-weekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies, including paid new-parent leave, childbirth recovery leave for eligible mothers, community service leave, combined vacation, personal and sick leave, and paid holidays.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.