Probation Officer - Sr

Lancaster County•East Lampeter Township, PA

About The Position

This position involves the administration of criminal justice, supervising individuals on probation or parole. A primary focus will be on the management of a caseload of clients sentenced to electronic monitoring by the Court of Common Pleas, or Magisterial District Judge or as a result of any graduated sanction imposed by Adult Probation officials. Clients will be monitored through radio frequency or global positioning hardware and electronic alcohol monitoring hardware. Work is accomplished through the assignment of a caseload of individuals for which the employee is responsible. As an appointed representative of the Court, this employee is responsible to provide legal accountability through enforcement, intervention, and redirection as required/needed by each client on probation/parole supervision.

Requirements

Education requirement is completion of a bachelor’s degree program with course work in psychology, social work, criminal justice or closely related field; minimum of one year experience preferably in the field of probation/parole/corrections supervision; or Any combination of the minimum acceptable education and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.
Knowledge of characteristics of individual and group behavior, particularly that of individuals involved with criminal activities and/or anti-social behavior.
Knowledge of methods and techniques used in counseling adult offenders.
Basic knowledge of the principles and policies of the criminal justice system, including statutes, rules, and regulations.
Ability to learn the specific operations, practices, and procedures of probation and parole supervision, as it applies to treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation.
Ability to communicate effectively with offenders, their associates, members of the Judiciary, co-workers, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
Ability to identify and locate available community resources dealing with issues affecting offenders.
Ability to plan, document, and carry out all steps necessary to implement treatment intervention strategies.
Ability to maintain accurate and complete caseload records for use by others.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage time with efficiency and effectiveness.
Proficiency in the use of, or willingness to learn, computers and software applications, as required by job duties.
Must be able to work occasional non-traditional hours.
The candidate must pass a criminal background check, a pre-employment drug screen and a driver history check.
Ability to sit, sometimes for long periods of time.
Ability to escort offenders from waiting area to office.
Ability to operate a computer or laptop.
Ability to lift and move files weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to effect an arrest of an offender.
Ability to defend oneself from personal attack.
Ability to provide own transportation to and from offender's homes, meetings, and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and ability to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

Interview assigned offenders in office, prison, home, and employment settings to determine compliance with supervision directives, problems encountered, progress in applicable programs, and any other particular circumstances. Interview offender’s family members, friends, associates, co-workers, and other knowledgeable individuals to verify information. Conduct extensive field work, to assess suitability of homes for electronic monitoring and install appropriate monitoring equipment in the home.
Develop and implement intervention strategies necessary to reduce or eliminate offender’s criminal behavior. Determine the type and extent of counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and other supports needed. Coordinate support and treatment services between service providers and the Office of Adult Probation and Parole. Develop and participate in short and long-range goals and plans including treatment services, supervision requirements, and support networks.
Complete required documentation both within and for related agencies.
Assist in locating and handling offenders in instances of parole violations and/or subsequent offenses. Prepare summaries of case records and history, including recommendations for continued and/or changes to treatment. Schedule actions and work required by terms of status, including court dates, hearing, and evaluations. Attend court appearances to provide requested information and secure documents.
Review available records of past criminal history, psychological or psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic testing, employment, and related psycho-social information.
Regularly attend mandatory and additional training in the areas of safety, self-defense, related human service areas, and for full/up-to-date proficiency in the use of computers, as required by job duties. Employee will learn arrest skills and become involved in offender detentions.
Performs related work as required.