Pretrial/Misdemeanor Probation Officer

Ravalli County•Hamilton, MT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The MPO shall monitor and clearly document all Misdemeanor Supervision functions of Ravalli County. In so doing, he/she shall show professional judgment and adhere to RCSO Policy and Procedures. The MPO shall provide firm, fair, and consistent misdemeanor services in a team setting which is supportive of a crime-free lifestyle. The Misdemeanor Programs are aligned with local and county courts; therefore, MPO is required to work the same business hour schedule as these agencies, which currently is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This schedule allows the MPO to coordinate cases for these agencies and also gives offenders/agencies the ability to access staff during normal business hours. Probation officers are given a one-hour lunch break. Overtime must be preauthorized by the Undersheriff. The probation officer is assigned a caseload to manage. Blanket approval for schedule changes for the required workday will be available as the pace of work, the familiarity of probation officer with their own clients, and the number of clients make it difficult for one probation officer to routinely work Monday through Friday.

Requirements

Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, and regulations including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Knowledge of use of firearms and other modern police equipment.
Knowledge of methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects.
Knowledge of principles and applications of public relations.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of basic principles of report preparation.
Knowledge of the geography of the County.
Knowledge of standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
Ability to relate with offenders in firm, empathetic fashion and good interaction skills so as to be able to relate with referral agencies and to handle public relations responsibilities.
Possess good writing and verbal skills
Type 40 words per minute.
Experience and demonstrated ability in records management.
Organize, manage time effectively, and keep records orderly and up to date.
Work in a team environment with a positive attitude.
Interpret and explain County law enforcement policies and procedures.
Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations.
Assess situations/people accurately.
Effectively use and qualify with law enforcement tools and weapons including firearms and other safety equipment.
Operate specialized law enforcement equipment including specialized police vehicles and radios.
Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence.
Apply interview techniques
Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
Control violent people and affect arrests.
Prepare clear and concise reports and routine correspondence.
Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Work irregular and on-call hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Meet and maintain the Sheriff’s Office firearms qualifications standards.
Meet office background requirements.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Pass oral interview and background investigation.
Must satisfactorily complete the Misdemeanor Probation Officer basic training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy as provided in 44-4-301 (Must obtain within one year of hire.
Meet minimum requirements as set forth by Montana State Statutes.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or other combination of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements, may be substituted.
Preferred experience in correction system.
Direct public relations experience.
Experience in computer database management and word processing.

Responsibilities

Monitor court mandates placed on the offender by the court.
Act as a referral agent to offenders in need of assistance.
Complete thorough intakes, documenting demographic, employment, identification information, and Court mandates on offenders in the agency database for misdemeanor probation. Complete Releases of Information, Risk Assessments, and Probation Contracts on each offender.
Track all fees for all clients assigned. Work with referral sources regarding clients who have not paid fees.
Work closely with LAC’s and other appropriate agencies to schedule Intervention Hearings for all Misdemeanor Probation clients that provide a positive UA or BA throughout their program.
Provide court testimony regarding progress notes and/or an offender’s failure to comply with the conditions of probation and make recommendations for future actions.
Investigate alleged violations.
Coordinate the arrest and detention of an offender when it becomes necessary in order to protect the community and hold offenders accountable for serious violations of probation supervision.
Write reports of violation and affidavits of violation to the appropriate authorities as needed.
Maintain risk assessed levels of supervision, and document appropriately a supervision plan and phases.
Complete cross-training in other procedures and certifications of technology such as SCRAM CAM, SCRAM Remote Breath, SCRAM GPS, Drug Patch and Urinalysis Testing.
Contact employers, trainers, teachers, and/or supervisors to verily the offenders’ attendance, pay scales, work schedules, and performances as appropriate.
Search an offender’s person and property for home visitations as required by Court order and/or Standard Operating Procedures.
Keep accurate documentation and concise notes which address meetings held with offenders, community contacts made regarding offenders, urinalysis testing and breathalyzer testing conducted on offenders, and any instructions given to them.
Assist in maintaining a referral mechanism with courts and maintain a professional relationship with legal correctional services.
Maintain documentation of all activities performed under established guidelines using the agency database.
Complete certification in the use of the X26 Taser and maintain annual recertification.
Complete treatment updates monthly on those offenders who are completing treatment with other agencies and document each update.
Attend Court arraignments, open Court, hearings, and advisory meetings as requested by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office.
Act as Probation Officer after hours on call on a rotating schedule as determined by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office.
Inform their supervisor of significant developments related to supervision, such as resident involvement in the legal system or violation of program rules, threats of legal action, public relations problems, resident complaints, fraternization issues, medical incidents/accidents, or any suspected or confirmed violation of agency rules by clients.
Report to their supervisor in an expedient fashion all areas of noncompliance with program procedures, along with suggested remedial plans or interventions.
Be flexible in assuming new duties and schedule changes.
Be creative in establishing or modifying program operation procedures and obtaining approval of the appropriate authority previous to implementation.