Parole & Probation Specialist 3

State of Nevada•Reno, NV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting to fill a Parole and Probation Specialist 3 position within the Parole and Probation Division in Reno. Incumbents in the Court Services Units perform advanced investigative and reporting functions including conducting comprehensive pre-sentence investigations by examining the defendant’s childhood, family background, education, employment history, and prior criminal history, including verification of prior offenses and dispositions. Incumbents analyze the instant offense and gather detailed information regarding the circumstances of the crime. Specialists are responsible for interviewing defendants to assess accountability, behavior patterns, and criminogenic needs, as well as contacting victims through written correspondence or direct communication to obtain victim impact information. Interview collateral sources such as employers, and treatment providers to ensure a complete and accurate assessment. The role requires evaluation of substance abuse history and mental health issues, identifying treatment needs and incorporating these factors into the report. Incumbents prepare detailed, objective pre-sentence investigation (PSI) reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to legal standards and deadlines. Prepare thorough, objective pre-sentence investigation (PSI) reports by compiling and verifying relevant background, offense, and behavioral information to support the court in reaching fair, informed, and just sentencing decisions. Specialists attend court proceedings and may present findings or provide testimony regarding their investigations. They maintain ongoing communication with judges, attorneys, victims, and other stakeholders throughout the process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of paraprofessional and/or technical experience researching and verifying information, maintaining case records, interviewing clients, and writing correspondence or reports in a law enforcement, social or behavioral services environment
Graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of experience as described above
One year of experience as a Parole & Probation Specialist II in Nevada State service
An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above
Working knowledge of techniques used to conduct extensive research into client or offender criminal, employment and/or income history
English composition skills sufficient to prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Ability to analyze information, problems, and objectives and identify and recommend solutions
Ability to assess and select appropriate communication methods when dealing with deviant and/or emotional behavior
Ability to represent the agency in a pre-hearing or judicial environment
Ability to provide chronological exhibits and testimony in court

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of appropriate courtroom behavior.

Responsibilities

Process documentation associated with the release of offenders being paroled, in residential confinement, in drug court supervision, and residing in a state other than Nevada.
Review files received from the court/parole board for required signatures, pre-release plan, criminal history, parole eligibility dates, and the terms and conditions of parole/probation.
Research the criminal and personal history of the offender including the facts surrounding the current offense, special conditions of release involving restitution, drug and alcohol treatment and testing, counseling and/or community service.
Obtain reporting instructions and transfer offender files to the appropriate location.
Notify victims prior to release of offenders or of special circumstances as requested.
Contact law enforcement agencies that have placed a hold on the offender and arrange for parole to the agency’s custody.
Contact service providers such as residential and inpatient programs and arrange for program participation upon release from custody.
Monitor offenders through written correspondence and the telephone.
Contact family, friends, neighbors, employers, treatment counselors and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the parolee or probationer is in compliance with stipulated agreements.
Establish and monitor compliance with payment plans and renegotiate payments if offender falls in arrears.
Track actions taken by the court/parole board.
Prepare various reports regarding violations of probation or parole, progress or discharge, and monthly caseload status.
Advise and direct offenders to comply with the terms of parole and/or probation.
Develop and maintain case files for each offender containing legal documents regarding criminal history, probation and parole agreements, monthly reports, correspondence and records which chronologically list contacts with the offender.
Develop and execute case plans.
Compile information, present recommendations, and submit various reports and documents to the court/parole board for review and action after obtaining supervisory approval.
Audit case files in compliance with agency standards.
Prepare statistical reports detailing case activity to conform with agency requirements.
Monitor and track hearing dates.
Provide documentation for hearings.
Make appearances at hearings and provide testimony as necessary.
Obtain hearing results and follow up on court/parole board directives, actions, and recommendations.
Assist offenders in completing the pre-sentence interview questionnaire, check offender’s criminal history, complete a risk assessment to determine criminogenic risks and needs.
Assist sworn officers in carrying out investigations and supervision duties to include performing administrative supervision functions for the lowest risk offenders that do not require peace officer certification such as receiving information from the offender, gathering additional information regarding the offender’s activities, determining compliance with administrative conditions of supervision, preparing reports, drafting correspondence, performing risk and needs assessments and documenting information within the records management system for assigned cases.
Work in the Re-Entry Unit, where incumbents are physically located within a correctional facility and/or jail.
Work as a lead worker in the Pre-Release Unit, Interstate Compact Unit, Warrants and Extradition Unit, or similar work unit staffed with a large number of Parole & Probation Specialists.
Provide guidance and train new and lower-level staff.