Risk Reduction Probation Officer (RENEW Specialized Docket)

General Division•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to contribute to a strong, supportive and productive team environment; utilize assessments that identify risk, need and responsivity with the intention of developing effective intervention strategies targeted at reducing recidivism for moderate to high risk offenders placed on community control by the Court and promote compliance through the use of evidence based practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or closely related field, or equivalent experience (applicant may substitute 2 years of related experience for each year of required education).
One-year experience involving: community supervision of offenders (probation, parole); counseling; or maintaining a caseload in a case management setting.
Must hold and maintain a valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Three years’ experience involving: community supervision of offenders (probation, parole); counseling; or maintaining a caseload in a case management setting.

Responsibilities

Promote and adhere to the Vision, Mission, Core Principles and Values of the Probation Department; Foster an inclusive and culturally competent work environment; Maintain effective lines of communication with all staff and stakeholders; Promote and adhere to departmental policies and procedures; Contribute to a strong, supportive and productive team environment; Supervise and provide caseload management for assigned offenders; Develop offender case plans, requirements and expectations; Communicate with offenders while utilizing evidence based practices in everyday interactions with offenders (e.g., role playing, rehearsals, modeling, positive feedback, effective disapproval); Provide positive reinforcement and build rapport with offenders; Assess offender risk level to determine recommendations for the appropriate area of needs to be targeted; Determine appropriate counseling or treatment referral based on risk and needs assessment, refer offender to appropriate agency, and provide crisis intervention and referral if needed; Maintain caseload of probationers as assigned through the Court; Review information regarding cases; Manage caseload using a case management system; Monitor and assess the offender’s compliance with Court-ordered conditions which includes frequent contact with the offender, attorneys, law enforcement, employers, treatment providers, the Court, family and community agencies; Monitor compliance with financial obligation requirements; Appear in Court; Serve as Disposition Officer; Make community/site visits to collateral agencies and treatment providers as needed; Prepare summaries and Court documents regarding the offender for the Court’s review; Maintain confidentiality of department information; Correspond and collaborate with community resource providers and collateral contacts concerning offender’s progress; Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations; Respond courteously to inquiries, which are sometimes controversial or adversarial; Maintain proficiency and applicable certification with all job and training requirements; Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending professional training and conferences; Adhere to assigned work schedule while exhibiting regular and predictable attendance; Develop and sustain productive working relationship with local law enforcement; Maintain professional conduct and attire; Monitor random drug screens of offenders ; and Perform other related duties as required.
Performance of essential functions requires interaction with accused and convicted criminal offenders; Ability to learn and implement evidence-based practices in the field of community corrections including effective interventions/supervision strategies; Knowledge of casework, cognitive-behavioral strategies, social learning principles, core correctional practices and protective factors and ability to apply this knowledge when working with offenders; Knowledge and application of validated risk need tools, and how they translate into case plans and supervision strategies; Knowledge of effective responses to non-compliant and/or anti-social behavior and incentives to reinforce pro-social behavior; Ability to utilize graduated sanctions and incentive/reward in an evidence-based manner; Ability to learn and apply new skills, methods and procedures as well as balance treatment and accountability when working with offenders; Ability to receive feedback, willingness to learn and embrace continuous improvement; Ability to engage productively and sensitively with persons of varying cultures and diversity; Ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems; Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable; Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper course of action to be taken; Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others; Ability to perform physical demands and exhibit mental aptitude needed to perform work duties including recognition of unusual or threatening conditions, maintain self-control and take appropriate action; Ability to determine appropriate situations for use of force; Ability to physically handle resistive/assaultive individuals; Ability to perform arrests; Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria including exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives; Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control equipment, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions; Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform statistical analysis; and Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work; tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. This position may involve infrequent lifting, carrying, running, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate to heavy weight (50 pounds).
Possesses, acquires, and maintains the technical/ professional expertise required to do the job effectively and to create solutions. Technical/professional expertise is demonstrated through problem solving, applying professional judgment, and competent performance
Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions in a timely manner. Compares data, information, and input from a variety of sources to draw conclusions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences. Applies both rational and creative processes to identify unknown root causes of problems. Based on the situation, decides the best course of action, implements the solution, and follows-up to see how it's working. Calculates and evaluates the long-term consequences of a decision.
Maintains effective performance under pressure; handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization. Stays calm and even-tempered when handling crises, stressful situations, continuous change, or unexpected developments. Is able to recover from difficult situations. Is seen as a settling influence in a crisis.
Works effectively in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals. Builds constructive working relationships with interested stakeholders to identify and meet mutual goals and objectives. Participates as an active and contributing member of teams with a focus on improving offender outcomes and department goals. Shares information as appropriate and credit for team accomplishments. Helps create and maintain strong morale and a feeling of belonging in his/her team. Acts as if "true success" is the success of the whole team.
Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to reduce tension and/or conflict between two or more people; able to size up situations quickly; able to identify common interests; facilitates resolution. Steps up to conflicts and sees them as opportunities. Finds common ground and achieves cooperation without disruption to work flows or interpersonal relationships.
Values an inclusive organization where the differences of all people are respected, valued and utilized towards achieving common goals. Respects and relates well to people from varied backgrounds, understands diverse worldviews, and is sensitive to group differences; sees diversity as an opportunity, respectfully challenges bias and intolerance. Supports equal and fair treatment.
Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed as appropriate. Demonstrates effective written, verbal and listening skills.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers and stakeholders through the use of strong interpersonal skills to meet mutual goals and objectives. Obtains cooperation from others; seeks and encourages win-win alternatives.
Uses appropriate interpersonal skills and techniques to gain support and acceptance for ideas or solutions. Uses influencing strategies to gain mutually beneficial agreements; Seeks to persuade rather than force solutions or impose decisions or regulations; and recognizes personal autonomy of others.
Personally responsible; completes work in a timely, consistent manner; is committed to being available during business hours to further organizational goals; demonstrates regular and punctual attendance; arrives prepared for work; is committed to doing the best job possible; diligently follows through on commitments and consistently meets deadlines.