Probation Officer

City of Marietta (GA) • Marietta, GA

332d • $19 - $22

About The Position

This is a Probation Officer position with the Marietta Municipal Court and reports directly to the Probation Officer Supervisor. Under direction, the purpose of this position is to develop and manage probationer case files and to monitor status of compliance with court ordered terms and conditions. Employees in this classification perform at entry professional level and are responsible for reporting any violations of probation to the court and utilizing appropriate resources and legal actions to mediate as necessary. Work includes the evaluation of casework to determine appropriate counseling measures and the referral of probationers to social resources in the community to facilitate rehabilitation. Work is generally performed independent of supervision and instructions. Employee receives directions from the Judge as to the requirements of the defendants' probation. Employee is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments and resolving most of the conflicts or problems which arise. Employee is responsible for interpreting policy on own initiative within guidelines established in the codes and the requirements of probation established by the Judge and Probation Officer Supervisor. The employee determines the methodology or approach to be used. Employee may make recommendations for changes to the terms of probation, however, all changes must be approved or authorized by the Judge. Supervisor is contacted or aids as needed, which is usually on court days and in unusual situations or matters that may require special legal knowledge. The employee keeps the Judge informed of progress and of any problems or potential problems. Work is reviewed by the Probation Officer Supervisor on a continuous basis. Work is reviewed through the employee's ability to complete assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience.
• Georgia POST certified or equivalent training.
• Knowledge of the operation of the court, especially proceedings, operations, and scope of authority.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of probation case work.
• Knowledge of specific related Georgia code and Marietta City code.
• Knowledge of community resources available for use in the supervision and rehabilitation of probationers.
• Considerable ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, and to record pertinent facts and information clearly and concisely.
• Good business math skills and knowledge of account and reconciliation practices.
• Skill and ability to interview each probationer for background history, residence, verification of employment and family ties.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to counsel with defendants concerning social problems and rehabilitative programs and make referrals to appropriate counseling agencies.
• Skill and ability to review cases on a daily basis to determine defendant's compliance with the court order.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and make judgments about appropriate handling of problems.
• Ability to visit defendants while incarcerated in county jail or other facilities.
• Skill and ability to make pre-sentence investigations as directed by the court; prepare reports on the investigations and appear in court to report on findings as needed.
• Ability to prepare and complete monthly statistics.
• Knowledge to review files monthly for probation term expiration.
• Ability to maintain confidential records of probationers' files.
• Skill to handle a large volume of calls from probationers, attorneys, governmental agencies, etc. on a continuous basis and in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including ability to develop effective working relationships with Municipal Court staff and with probationers and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Successful completion of Georgia Crime Information Center Security and Integrity class within 60 days of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional management and counseling of probationers; monitors the status of probationer compliance with court ordered terms and conditions.
• Conducts extensive interviews with assigned cases by utilizing effective communication techniques to evaluate and identify probationer issues, to provide constructive methods for addressing problems of non-compliance as well as probationer concerns; and to consult with the Probation Officer Supervisor as necessary.
• Conducts initial intakes according to office policy and procedures. Performs initial interviews with probationers collecting background, residence, personal, employment, and contact history. Discusses specific conditions related to the case and due dates. Enters information in the computer and prints necessary documents.
• Evaluates each case and determines the type of treatment (i.e. for drugs or alcohol, mental health) to help in the rehabilitation of the probationer.
• Conducts criminal and driver history checks through GCIC on probation cases. Makes inquiries to various law enforcement agencies when a violation has been found. Ascertains paperwork regarding any new offense information.
• Maintains confidential records of probationers' files.
• Maintains a caseload of 100-400 probationers. Monitors all conditions and notifies the court of any violations. Conducts check-ins on reporting probationers. Coordinates education and counseling for individual probationers; monitors attendance and compliance with community service, DUI school programs, theft and shoplifting programs and treatment/counseling agencies. Reviews caseload daily as necessary.
• Investigates and verifies arrest information with other government/probation agencies. Ascertains paperwork when necessary.
• Conducts random jail and home visits of sexual offenders, domestic violence offenders and drug/alcohol related offenders to ensure compliance with court ordered terms and conditions.
• Processes violations of probation sentences in accordance with legal time requirements. Completes arraignments and appropriate documentation in a timely manner.
• Represents the Probation Department in matters of probation violations and any other court proceedings requiring departmental representation. Inform the court of appropriate recommendations for non-compliance.
• Conducts random alcohol/drug screens according to office policy and procedures.
• Maintains community contacts and referrals.
• Maintains a wide variety of detailed legal records and reports; collects and prepares various statistical information; prepares legal documentation as required, i.e., case narratives, case notes, warrants, affidavits, modifications, identification sheets, pre-sentence investigations.
• Examines files for probationers who fail to report and determines appropriate management of the case, i.e. sending a letter, requesting a warrant.
• Examines files for case expiration and closing cases according to office policy and procedures.
• Handles telephone and walk-in inquiries from probationers, attorneys, agencies, and others to advise of court ordered mandates and other case related matters.
• Complies and provides monthly statistics to Probation Officer Supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

Benefits

• Rate of Pay: $19.82 - $22.51
• Status: Open Until January 31, 2025

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree