Probation Officer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, social work or a field related to the work.
• Prior experience in court and/or probation preferred.
• Michigan Driver's License.
• LEIN certification.
• Knowledge of techniques of investigation and situational research.
• Knowledge of interviewing, teaching, behavior modification and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of probation services provision.
• Knowledge of rules, laws, codes, regulations and procedures related to the probation process.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources and programs available to probationers with identified needs.
• Knowledge of computer applications related to the work.
• Knowledge of practices and techniques of drug and alcohol testing.
• Considerable knowledge of substance use disorder, drug classification and types, drug trends in the community.
• Considerable knowledge of psychological, emotional, behavioral disorders, psychotropic medication and appropriate interventions.
• Understanding complexities of domestic violence and its web of different forms of abuse, as well as tactics of manipulation used by batterers.
• Basic knowledge of the Michigan Criminal Code.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Oral communication skills required to maintain positive and effective working relationships with officers and staff of the Court, defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies.
• Records management principles and practices with the ability to prepare clear, concise and complete case records and reports by electronic data and hardcopy.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, occasionally when relations may be confrontational, strained or hostile.
• Ability to work under pressure, distractions and tight deadlines.
• Maintaining confidentiality of probationers, files and any sensitive criminal justice system matters.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in court and/or probation

Responsibilities

• Supervises an assigned caseload of probationers; enforces adherence to court ordered conditions of probation; investigates and processes probation violations and makes recommendations regarding probation violation sentencings.
• Counsels and advises probationers regarding pertinent personal, social, educational, financial, vocational, and health matters; assists probationers with questions, issues and appointments.
• Compiles, investigates, verifies and presents reports on personal, social, educational, financial, vocational, health and/or prior criminal history of probationers; writes and presents reports to court; develops and presents recommendations for case disposition or violation of probation.
• Compiles information, analyses, and reports on activities.
• Administers PBT and collects/interprets urine drug screens as needed.
• Prepares pre-sentence reports for Judge and provides appropriate recommendations.
• Conduct substance abuse screening interviews with defendants using state approved methodologies.
• Appears and gives testimony in court regarding probation violation arraignments, probation violation hearings/sentencings and review hearings.
• Identifies and develops community resources and support programs; maintains communication and liaison with law enforcement, court, social service and community resource personnel and agencies; refers clients as appropriate.
• Enters information in systems and maintains a variety of records and case files; writes reports, statements, legal documents, correspondence and other written materials.
• Uses a variety of standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the Court's service provision by fostering and facilitating the development and coordination of work teams.
• Communicates with government agencies, non-profits, and the public regarding coordination of programs service issues; responds concerns and issues.
• Stays current on changes in laws, regulations, and trends in the profession.
• Reviews reports from outside agencies that provide services to department's clients.
• Assists Director of Probation with administrative issues as required.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Demonstrates strong ethical judgment, establishes and maintains appropriate and consistent boundaries with probationers and others in the criminal justice system.