Probation Officer

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 provides assistance 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. 

• 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.

• Work is performed in accordance with guidelines established in the codes and the requirements of probation established by the Judge.Employee has to evaluate each case and determine the type of treatment (i.e. for drugs or alcohol, mental health) to help in the rehabilitation of the probationer.
• Work requires the use of judgment when dealing with people of all socio-economic levels with varying problems and personalities, including those that may be hostile or addicted to drugs or alcohol.
• Conducts criminal and drivers 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 on a daily basis as necessary.
• Investigates and verifies arrest information with other government/probation agencies.Ascertains paperwork when necessary. Considerable judgement is needed when making a decision as to whether or not to issue a warrant for the probationer’s arrest.An error in the decision could result in the defendant claiming false arrest, litigation, further violations of the law, or endangerment to public safety.
• May conduct 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, e.g., drug and alcohol compliance, no contact orders, high risk behaviors.
• 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.Informs 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.
• Work relationships are with probation staff, the Judge, the Court Administrator, the Prosecutor, police agencies, probation departments, government agencies, attorneys and public.Purpose of contact is to provide and exchange case related information.Contacts are made with counseling agencies to assist in the rehabilitation of the probationer.Contacts are also made with probationers and their families which includes individuals with alcohol and drug addictions and hostile personalities.
• Performs other related duties as directed.