PROBATION OFFICER

The County of Adams•Gettysburg, PA

45d•$20

About The Position

The Probation Officer plays a pivotal role in carrying out the work of the Court and furthering the primary mission of Probation Services to ensure the safety and protection of the community, uphold offender accountability, and aid in offender rehabilitation. More specifically, this position is responsible for enforcing Court orders and assuring offenders compliance with conditions of sentencing, diversionary program participation, and parole, while at all times protecting public safety. This includes prevention of further criminal acts and technical violations and assistance with and promotion of positive change for offenders residing in or returning to the community. The Probation Officer is expected to supervise offenders both in the office and in the field, based on the level of assigned supervision or need. The Probation Officer works closely with other members of the Probation Services Department team, as well as with other County and Court departments and staff, to assure that offenders’ resource needs are being met. The Probation Officer must be able to build rapport with others and to interact effectively and cooperatively with law enforcement and human services agency/treatment personnel. Excellent communication skills are thus essential. The Probation Officer also attends and provides testimony during hearings and other Court proceedings. Upon gaining knowledge and expertise, the Probation Officer may be assigned to perform mentoring, training, educational and leadership tasks within the Department. This is a peace officer classification; the Probation Officer has powers of arrest for offenders under the jurisdiction of the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. There is a potential risk of physical injury and/or death associated with the work of the Probation Services Department. The Probation Officer may carry an approved, office-issued firearm upon satisfactory completion of the established Pennsylvania County Probation Officers Firearm Commission course and receipt of certification. Completion of any required subsequent courses to retain certification is also required. It should be noted that those who carry a firearm assume an immense responsibility that must be taken very seriously.

Requirements

Verification of Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required, with knowledge of modern principles of criminology; degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field is preferred.
Valid driver’s license.
General knowledge of Microsoft Office products required.
Knowledge of contemporary office practices and procedures.
Subject to the Medical Marijuana Act, 35 P.S. § 10231.510(4), which prohibits an employee from being under the influence of medical marijuana in performance of duties within this job description.
Subject to Act 57 of 2020 background checks and employment reporting.
Successful completion of Basic Probation/Parole Training Academy or Orientation classes and testing. Must complete 40 hours of training per year.
County Firearms Training and Education Certification (Optional).
CRN Certification (as needed).
Alcohol Safe Driving Instructor Certification (as needed).
Protective Safety Systems (PSS) Training Certification (required).
Participation in training provided by the employer is expected.
Criminal background checks and clearances, including but not limited to fingerprinting, as directed.

Responsibilities

Enforcing Court orders
Assuring offenders compliance with conditions of sentencing, diversionary program participation, and parole
Protecting public safety
Prevention of further criminal acts and technical violations
Assistance with and promotion of positive change for offenders residing in or returning to the community
Supervise offenders both in the office and in the field
Attends and provides testimony during hearings and other Court proceedings
May be assigned to perform mentoring, training, educational and leadership tasks within the Department