Probation Officer I/II

Washington County•County Courthouse, MN

About The Position

A Probation Officer I/II provides pre-trial, supervision, and case management services that enhance public safety and facilitate behavior change with clients. The Probation Officer I works directly with clients throughout their probationary period to create and implement case plans under a supervisor’s guidance. This entry-level position requires a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, social work, or a related field, or equivalent.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, social work, or a related field, or equivalent.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, quality and continuous improvement.
Knowledge of probation, the court, and community corrections.
Knowledge of criminal justice principles, techniques, and practices.
Knowledge of community corrections administration methods and practices.
Knowledge of federal and state criminal laws and a broad understanding of the objectives and functions of the community corrections system.
Knowledge of the justice system and economics.
Considerable knowledge of court procedures.
Interviewing skills.
Ability to investigate materials effectively.
Ability to conceptualize client needs and translate them into specific case-planning goals.
Understanding of family systems and differences in individual and group behavior.
Support for a welcoming, respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace and equitable community service.
Reliable transportation for business purposes.
Valid driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle on County business.

Nice To Haves

Training in evidence-based practices in corrections.
Experience working with justice-involved women, particularly people with histories of trauma, domestic violence, or victimization.
Experience conducting presentence investigations or other comprehensive court-related investigations and preparing investigative reports.
Training or experience in gender-responsive and trauma-informed practices.
Knowledge of Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines and sentencing practices.
Paid experience working for a probation department in a non-institutional setting at a county, state, or federal agency.
Experience facilitating a cognitive skills education program.
Skill in culturally sensitive communication with identified minority populations.
Fluency in more than one language.
Internship or volunteer experience in Washington County.

Responsibilities

Create case plans for clients.
Interview convicted clients.
Assess individual, victim, and community risk levels.
Establish and monitor client goals.
Determine appropriate programs.
Collaborate with law enforcement, mental and chemical health providers, schools, victims, families, and community agencies.
Prepare reports and recommendations for supervisor review.
Assess the impact of offenses on victims.
Attend court hearings and testify as required.
Implement client case plans.
Monitor client compliance with probation and supervised release terms.
Maintain contact through regular field visits at homes, offices, schools, correctional or residential facilities, and employment sites.
Intervene with clients using basic evidence-based practice principles, including motivational interviewing.
Co-facilitate group interventions for clients.
Work with community resources to support clients’ successful program completion.
Maintain contact with victims to restore financial losses and address safety concerns.
Complete accurate and timely case management documentation.
Transport clients as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.