Probation Officer I

Madison County Commission•Huntsville, AL

11d

About The Position

Under direction, the Probation Officer I maintains a caseload of probationers, collects court-ordered monies, performs clerical tasks associated with supervising probationers and other diverted offenders, and records suspended work release sentences imposed by District Court Judges. The role supervises assigned probationers and supervisees and monitors compliance with sentence conditions. Successful performance requires initiative, thoroughness, sound judgment, an even temperament, and the ability to work objectively, professionally, and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. The position supervises clients in a specialized program established by the Mandatory Treatment Act of 1990, the Court Referral Program, and requires certification under that program. The employee attends court sentencing dockets, processes probationers, explains sentence conditions, coordinates court-ordered treatment, maintains case records, collects and accounts for payments, addresses non-compliance, and communicates relevant matters to the court and probationers. The position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice, corrections, behavioral science, or a closely related field, unless an equivalent combination of training and experience provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid driver's license is required. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a United States citizen, have no prior history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, and have no felony conviction, conviction for a crime of moral turpitude, or violation of the Alabama Uniformed Controlled Substance Act. The role requires the ability to conduct interviews, communicate by telephone and in court, access files and documentation, move between offices and other locations, and operate a motor vehicle when required. The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Madison County is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace that conducts drug and alcohol testing.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, corrections, behavioral science, or a closely related field, unless substituted by an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Basic knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure, particularly misdemeanor codes and District Court proceedings.
Basic knowledge of methods and practices of criminal justice and corrections agencies, particularly community-based corrections programs.
Working knowledge of current concepts in social psychology and criminology.
Skill in interviewing and counseling.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing objective reports and summaries.
Ability to use independent judgment and initiative.
Ability to handle and account for collected monies.
Ability to work under harried conditions, organize, and complete multiple tasks across different areas.
Ability to deal objectively, professionally, and effectively with diverse groups and stressful situations.
Verbal and hearing skills necessary to conduct interviews, use a multi-line telephone, explain rules and sentencing conditions, and appear in court as required.
Adequate vision and mobility to access and maintain files and documentation and move between offices, courtrooms, and the jail; ability to operate a motor vehicle when required.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must be at least 21 years old and a United States citizen.
Must have no prior history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction.
Must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, or violated the Alabama Uniformed Controlled Substance Act.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and communicate effectively; the role frequently involves in-person and telephone communication and moving around the office to access files and office machinery.

Responsibilities

Attend District and Circuit Court sentencing dockets to record suspended work release and other alternative sentences.
Conduct initial intake and processing of probationers.
Explain the rules and conditions of sentences.
Establish payment schedules.
Coordinate and assist probationers with enrollment in and completion of court-ordered treatment programs and seminars.
Obtain necessary information and file documentation.
Maintain case files documenting reporting, payment, and compliance histories.
Counsel and assist probationers with personal problems affecting their ability to complete suspended sentences.
Monitor assigned probationers through in-office meetings.
Review jail sheets, arrest reports, and court dockets.
Collect, record, and issue receipts for scheduled payments of court-ordered monies, and maintain accountability for collected monies.
Document and address probationer non-compliance through counseling and approved sanctions.
Notify the court of delinquent probationers and notify the court and probationer of dates set.
Initiate and document bench warrants for failure to appear or failure to comply with a suspended sentence.