Probation Agent

Crow Wing, County of•Brainerd, MN

12d

About The Position

Probation Agents facilitate offender change while monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions by means of Evidence Based Practices (EBP). A Probation Agent may prepare court reports, offender risk assessments, investigations, and social histories; develop strength based case plans; supervise adult or juvenile offenders individually or in groups; prepare and deliver specific curriculum to offender groups; and/or coordinate a variety of program functions in order to provide offender and/or victim services. Additionally, the incumbent may be assigned and/or provide consultation to peers on cases of highest complexity, provide in-service training for new staff as assigned, provide field supervision for new staff as assigned, lead projects and initiatives, lead or chair groups and projects as assigned. The position requires the capacity to address cases of significant complexity in a sensitive and supportive manner, applying technical expertise, observational skills, problem solving skills and communication skills to effectively serve the client population. Probation Agents are assigned to work in one or more of the following areas: adult supervision, juvenile supervision, intake and assessment, or other areas as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education or related behavioral science field; (or ability to obtain within 4 months from date of hire)
Valid state issued driver's license.
Knowledge and ability to apply Evidence Based Practice (EBP) in probation including risk assessment, case planning, motivational interviewing, professional alliance and cognitive interventions.
Knowledge of criminal behavior and/or juvenile delinquency.
Knowledge of the behavioral sciences and cognitive/behavioral approaches.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system in Minnesota; working knowledge of the functions of its component parts.
Ability to make decisions while abiding by departmental and State policies and guidelines.
Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department and County associates in a professional manner to accomplish tasks, plan and resolve problems.
Ability to collaborate with partners in other departments and the criminal justice system to meet the needs of public safety and the needs of offenders.
Ability to develop case plans based on the risk factors discovered in the risk assessment.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to apply departmental policies and procedures to assigned duties.
Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and deescalate conflict and crisis.
Ability to be organized and have good time management skills.
Ability to adapt to change to support organizational change, development, growth, and progress.
Knowledge of data privacy rules, practices, and confidentiality.
Ability to use computers and learn various database systems.
Ability to be fair and understanding while being firm and consistent.
Ability and desire to acquire new skills and develop professionally.
Ability to analyze situations and deal with different perspectives.
Ability at analyze and use data to make informed decisions.
Ability to assess information quickly and accurately when making probation violation decisions including the propriety of issuing warrants for adult and juvenile offenders and the detention of out-of-state offenders.

Nice To Haves

Participation and completion of an internship for social worker, probation agent, and program specialist.

Responsibilities

Manage active case load in order to monitor compliance with court ordered conditions, providing counseling, advocacy, service coordination and assessment, achieving service plan objectives and initiating modifications as necessary to achieve stated outcomes, address client needs and maximize client functioning.
Provide intake services, offender screening and referrals as assigned including the completion of actuarial risk assessment tools to assess and obtain relevant measures of risk.
Conduct offender assessments as assigned, responding to reported incidents with appropriate investigatory actions including interviews and site visits, consultations with other agencies and resources ensuring appropriate intervention is taken to reduce risk of re-offending and to develop a case treatment plan to target criminogenic needs.
Facilitate cognitive behavioral intervention programming and support change through explicit rewards and reinforcements, cognitive behavioral interventions, case planning, and appropriate referrals to achieve desired outcomes.
Maintain a complete, accurate and up-to-date offender record and documentation including and not limited to client release(s), historical and demographic data, assessment results, service plans, goals and outcomes expected, reassessment results, outcomes achieved, referrals and resources prescribed and disposition of the case in compliance with department, state and legal standards to ensure the accurate and timely recording, retention and retrieval of files.
Integrate treatment into the sentence, sanctions, and case planning goals of offenders.
Employ motivation interviewing to aid offenders in constructing intrinsic reasons for behavioral change.
Initiate transitional services for program offenders including referral to appropriate community agencies and organizations.
Match offender services and skill development programs based on responsivity factors.
Promote skill building by utilizing evidence based practice strategies.
Evaluate immediate risk to public and victim, which may include crisis intervention.
Write reports, pre- and post-dispositional, and other documents for the Court, the MN Dept. of Corrections, and other parties.
Utilize Apprehension and Detention Orders as an Officer of the Court of the 9th Judicial District and the MN Dept. of Corrections.
Attend court hearings and present reports and recommendations.
Provide testimony as needed.
Conduct drug screening/urinalysis of offenders.
Consult, advise and collaborate with internal staff and external representatives including family members to resolve issues, identify program and/or service opportunities, respond to inquiries and effectively serve the interests of individual clients or client populations.
Serve as leader or chair of committees and initiatives as requested, participating in projects and outreach initiatives as assigned in a highly effective manner.
Comply with all regulations relating to client confidentiality, closely guarding the privacy of client records and information to assure full compliance with MN data Practices, HIPAA and all other regulations regarding client confidentiality.
Uphold the ethical standards and practices of a professional probation agent and all related expectations of professional conduct and operating policies of the department.
Perform all other related duties as assigned in a professional and effective manner.
Prepare recommendations for placements and participate in staffing team.
Coordinate juvenile offender placement and participation in community resources including out-of-home placements.
Plan, coordinate and monitor day-to-day programming for juvenile offender.
Coordinate and conduct individual, group and family treatment programming.