Probation Officer 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County•Hingham, MA

48d•$57,291 - $79,794•Onsite

About The Position

The position allocated to this class performs investigative, counseling and case management duties for the Spokane County District Court- Probation Division. The incumbent develops and presents case histories and makes recommendations to the Court regarding adult inmates; monitors, oversees, counsels and assesses needs and progress of adult offenders on probation or in a confinement setting. Work is performed with considerable independence, involving discretionary judgment and responsibility. Work is assigned by and performed under the general direction of the District Court Probation/DUI Court Manager (or designee) and evaluated through observation, casework review, and review of results as they reflect the employee’s professional proficiency, effective application of independent judgment, attainment of the probation division’s goals and objectives and compliance with the Court’s policies, procedures and practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology
One (1) year of experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or a related field is preferred.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Must complete the Adult Services Academy within six (6) months of hire, or when class is made available.
Possession of a valid driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County.
Knowledge of the adult criminal justice system.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior applicable to the probation field.
Knowledge of probation philosophy, methods and practices.
Knowledge of counseling and interviewing skills, techniques and methods.
Knowledge of report writing techniques.
Knowledge of the literature, development, and trends in the field of adult probation.
Knowledge of support agencies and community resources.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, community and social agencies, general public, court and department supervisors.
Skilled in the use of personal computers.
Skilled in databases/statistics.
Ability to counsel and support probationers.
Ability to understand, interpret and apply complex statutes, court regulations and rules.
Ability to conduct thorough investigations in an impartial manner and prepare detailed case histories and reports.
Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals and groups from a variety of social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Ability to convey a professional image via attire and demeanor.
Ability to consistently make effective decisions.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Conducts intake interviews and provides orientation for new offenders, reviews records and consults with other professionals to complete investigation reports, develops case histories and probation agreements; develops case management plans, and monitors compliance with court ordered conditions.
Writes evaluation and/or pre-sentence investigation reports containing summary background data gathered in probationer interviews and collateral contacts; identifies and assesses problem areas, and may provide treatment and sentencing recommendations to the court.
Writes Return to Court letters based on non-compliance.
Monitors Drug/Alcohol Testing done by an outside agency.
Monitors and enforces court orders, programs, and other probation requirements.
Responds to non-compliance by coordinating with treatment providers, and notifying the court by submitting supporting documents and reports.
May be required to make recommendations for revocation of probation requirements.
Participates in court hearings by providing testimony, preparing and presenting documentation and making recommendations to the Court.
May provide sentencing recommendations, including level and duration of supervision, treatment recommendations, conditions of probation, etc.
Maintains detailed records, notes, and files within the department’s case management system and prepares related reports, statistics and other documents.
Counsels and supports offenders to help them understand and resolve their challenges; assists in resolving emergency situations; refers probationers to local support networks, including treatment providers and community agencies.
Coordinates with other agencies and jurisdictions, including law enforcement and treatment providers, to monitor activities and progress of probationers’ court orders.
Responds to verbal and written requests for information from other departments and agencies.
Serves as a back-up instructor for the Adult Defensive Driving Course.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.