Probation Officer - 86th District Court

Grand Traverse County Michigan•Antrim, NH

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Grand Traverse County is seeking a Probation Officer to manage probation caseloads, aiming to rehabilitate probationers and reduce recidivism among adults. This role involves explaining sentencing and probation requirements, monitoring compliance, and conducting pre-sentence investigations and assessments to provide recommendations to the Judge. Employees must meet minimum requirements and be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodations. The position may require irregular hours and travel using the employee's own vehicle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or a related human services field
Two years professional experience as a Probation Officer or in a related field
Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan Operators License and personal auto insurance and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s Vehicle policy
A background check may be required initially and periodically
Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
General knowledge of District Court statutory and regulatory requirements
Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data
Ability to multi-task is essential
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies
Skill in operation of modern office equipment such as personal computer, facsimile, copiers, scanners and telephones
Appropriately and effectively represent the County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives, and develop liaison relationships between the community and the County
Skill in researching and resolving problems in order to ensure compliance
Ability to assess and provide guidance within area of specialized knowledge
Ability to interpret and explain policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws within area of expertise in layman’s terms
Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment
Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently
Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently
Ability to effectively assess and guide individuals and their families in the probation officer’s area of expertise

Nice To Haves

Compared to Chief Probation Officer: Is NOT a Lead Probation Officer

Responsibilities

Provides case management of individuals on probation to ensure public safety and attempt to rehabilitate probationers to reduce recidivism
Writes dispositional reports containing necessary information to determine appropriate course of action for individuals on probation
Investigates the background of persons awaiting sentencing on District Court convictions, including analyzing probationer’s health/employment/psychological history/emotional status and his/her potential risk factors, and other pre-sentence information to make recommendations to the Judge based on findings
Monitors compliance with probation terms and conditions of probationers
Prepares pre-sentence investigation reports/bench warrants and petitions
May provide probationers with guidance and counsel on a variety of social issues and refers clients to community rehabilitation programs designed to assist those with drug, alcohol, emotional, occupational, or housing problems
Prepares progress reports, probation violation reports and other related reports and makes recommendations for probation termination
Participates in court related activities, including preparing documents/files for court, testifying, and performing other applicable courtroom activities
May participate in and collaborate with a variety of committees, professional associations, boards, and/or other related groups
May be required to administer a PBT (portable breath test) to court clients
May analyze and prepare reports for applicable committees, Commissioners, Judges, Deputy Court Administrator and Court Administrator and processes, compiles, inputs data utilizing the applicable software within the established procedures
May perform home visits, including breath testing and residence searches
Actively participates in review hearings with probationers, team members and Judges

Benefits

Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.
457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.
Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.
Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.