About The Position
The Virginia Department of Corrections is hiring a Probation Officer serving as a Sex Offender Specialist in P&P District #2 in Norfolk. The position supports the Department’s public safety mission by supervising and monitoring adults placed on probation, parole, or post-release supervision. The officer uses evidence-based practices, communication skills, and professional judgment to promote pro-social behavior, reduce recidivism, and support successful community reintegration. The role balances accountability with opportunity and compassion. It involves assessing individuals’ needs, developing supervision plans, connecting them with community resources, monitoring compliance, and taking appropriate corrective action. The position also prepares reports and court-related documents and may testify in court. The advertised hiring range is $49,981.00–$55,271.00. The position participates in the Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System (VaLORS), a defined-benefit retirement plan with enhanced retirement options for hazardous-duty positions. The posting describes eligibility to retire at age 60 with five years of creditable service, or as early as age 50 with 25 years; a reduced benefit is available at age 50 with five years of creditable service. The Department offers comprehensive training in evidence-based practices and advancement opportunities.
Requirements
- Knowledge of social casework, treatment methods and therapies, personality types, human behavioral tendencies, and socio-economic group characteristics.
- Knowledge of grammar, composition, report writing, information gathering, and presentation techniques.
- Ability to counsel people and intervene in crises.
- Ability to assist probationers in developing and attaining goals.
- Ability to organize, summarize, and present information orally and in writing.
- Ability to manage time and prioritize work assignments to meet required time frames.
- Ability to gather, collate, and record information from personal interviews and written requests.
- Ability to interact positively with probationers, colleagues, supervisors, the public, and community resource personnel.
- Ability to execute and follow through on supervision plans and personal work assignments.
- Ability to give and receive guidance and instructions; process, analyze, and interpret written and oral information; and initiate independent actions and carry out assignments with minimal supervision.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge or education in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, sociology/social work, criminology, or English, with a minor in areas such as adult education, business administration (especially personnel management), or administration of justice and public safety.
Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day supervision of adults on regular or intensive probation, parole, or post-release supervision, ensuring compliance with court or Parole Board conditions.
- Assess criminogenic and treatment needs using validated tools and develop individualized supervision and case plans that address risks and build strengths.
- Use evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques, to encourage positive change and accountability.
- Partner with treatment providers, employers, and community organizations to connect individuals with rehabilitation services and other resources.
- Conduct home and community visits as appropriate to supervision plans and case needs.
- Prepare pre-sentence investigations, sentencing guidelines, and progress reports accurately and on time.
- Testify in court and provide professional sentencing recommendations.
- Monitor compliance and take appropriate corrective action, including recommending revocation when necessary to protect public safety.
Benefits
- Participation in the Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System (VaLORS), a defined-benefit retirement plan with enhanced retirement options for hazardous-duty positions.
- Comprehensive training in evidence-based practices.
- Advancement opportunities across the Department.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
