Probation Officer

Alachua County•Gainesville, FL

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is responsible professional work counseling juveniles and adults in activities related to legal conditions of probation for the Alachua County Department of Court Services/Alternative Sentencing program. An employee assigned to this classification confers with offenders, legal representatives, family members, and other concerned persons, and reviews documents pertaining to legal and social history of the offender to conduct pre-hearing and/or pre-sentencing investigations and to formulate rehabilitation plans. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of the results obtained.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, social work, or related field and one year of related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
Must satisfactorily complete local, state and national criminal history and fingerprint checks.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Considerable knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to parole and probation in the State of Florida.
Knowledge of the operation of the Alachua County criminal justice system.
Knowledge of community employment resources including business organizations and employment agencies.
Knowledge of procedures and legalities involved in conducting pre-sentence and post-sentence investigations as well as other special investigations.
Knowledge of basic theory and current practice in the treatment of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental illness.
Ability to access probationers in emergency situations and implement solutions for resolution of problems.
Ability to plan, organize work, and manage time effectively.
Ability to relate to and react to the needs of probationers in the area of securing employment.
Ability to objectively evaluate personal requests of probationers and make responsible decisions.
Ability to create and maintain accurate records within a computerized system.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to prepare and organize written reports.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with probationers, judges, law enforcement personnel, other County employees and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

Responsibilities

Conducts intake on all clients ordered to perform a period of probation by the Courts.
Instructs probationers on all conditions of probation; makes treatment referrals; develops payment contracts with probationers; and makes referrals for employment assistance.
Makes contact with clients in the field and office according to established risk classification.
Contacts are also made with family members, employers, and significant others on a monthly basis.
Conducts investigations; pre-sentence, post-sentence and special investigations involving verification of pertinent information related to social background, criminal history, substance abuse, employment history, family structure and mental health history.
Reports compliance/non-compliance of court order and conditions through early termination requests or violation of probation hearings.
Monitors treatment compliance by established review with local treatment agencies.
Inputs case management data into the Court Alternatives information management system.
Serves as Officer of the Day to provide coverage of daily operations for officers who are not present in the office.
Maintains records on all cases.
Compiles information to ensure accurate statistics are available for monthly reports.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.