Probation Officer

Objectives

The Probation Officer is an officer of the Court and is responsible to the Common Pleas Judges for the coordination and completion of community control sanctions as well as ensuring public safety. This person is responsible for the implementation of evidence based interventions for felony offenders placed on community control. The officer reports to the Chief Probation Officer.

Job Standards

Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution preferably in the field of criminal justice, criminology or psychology. Must successfully complete the Ohio Probation Officer Training Program within one year of hire. Must be certified in firearms, Taser and OC/Pepper Spray or the ability to be certified. Must possess a valid State of Ohio Driver’s License and acceptable driving record. Work consists of complex, varied non-standardized tasks, requiring the application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Comprehension of ability to make practical application of theories, principles, precedents, or generalized techniques relevant to the assigned tasks is required. Must be able to submit to a drug screening and psychological assessment. Must not have a criminal record.This position requires an individual who has integrity and the self-confidence to ensure the Orders of the Court are complied with by the Probationer. The individual must be reliable and dependable. The individual must be respectful in striving to accomplish the mission of the Delaware County Adult Court Services Department. The Delaware County Adult Court Services Department mission is to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism by holding those charged with or convicted of crimes in compliance with court ordered conditions using effective supervision and evidence based practices. The individual must be able to adhere to State Standards and the Policies and Procedures of the Delaware County Adult Court Services Department.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Management of a felony case load;
• Maintain complete and accurate record of all relevant contacts and activities;
• Interact with chemical dependency counselors, law enforcement agencies and social services agencies;
• Provide crisis intervention for offenders, during and outside normal business hours and weekends as needed;
• Administers frequent and random drug tests when appropriate (urine and breath);
• Interviewing clients in the office and in the field;
• Surveillance of clients in their environment; work, home, etc.;
• Research, investigate and preparation of probation violation reports;
• Make referrals/recommendations as necessary and assists offenders and/ or families in locating requested and/ or mandatory services;
• Completion of risk/need assessments, ORAS, other assessments as needed;
• Utilization of evidence based practice interventions to address criminogenic needs;
• Generate individualized case plans via utilization of the ORAS in conjunction with outside treatment agencies;
• Monitor and enforce court costs and restitution payments as ordered by the sentencing Judge;
• Utilize evidence based cognitive behavioral interventions to facilitate pro-social skills.
• Apprehension of probation violators following the proper procedure and policy;
• Conduct searches, and escorts prisoners;
• Determine the need for additional court hearings based on the evidence based policy;
• Participate in court hearings involving violations and other hearings as required;
• Make recommendations at disposition in court hearings based on the evidence based policy;
• Statistical gathering to ensure the appropriate dosage of interventions is congruent to the risk level of the offender;
• Utilize a behavior modifications system to encourage pro-social behavior;
• Collection and receipting of supervision and Electronically Monitored House Arrest (EMHA)/GPS Fees;
• Answering telephone calls from clients, counselors, attorneys and the public, etc.;
• Schedule and Maintain Scheduling of Clients;
• Installation and maintaining of electronic monitoring/GPS equipment;
• Participate in staff meetings;
• Complete forms such as; orders to hold, orders to release, motions, entries and other related forms;
• Participate in implementing new programs and forms used in this program; and
• Quickly determine the appropriateness of arresting an offender;
• Ability to maintain Intake/Termination Information via the Community Corrections Information System (CCIS)

Supplemental Information

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• The Adult Probation Officer will assume the extra duties involved in the Delaware County Adult Court Services Department, as well as the everyday operational guidelines of a Probation Officer;
• Performs other duties as assigned; and
• Performs related essential and non-essential functions as required.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Flexible in schedule, evening hours required as necessary, holidays as required;
• Attention to detail;
• Knowledge of court room procedures and processes;
• Knowledge of crisis management and intervention skills;
• Knowledge of bio-hazardous material and waste;
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol testing procedures and toxicology;
• Knowledge of family dynamics;
• Knowledge of and the ability to utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques;
• Knowledge of mediation skills;
• Knowledge of medical terminology;
• Knowledge of pharmaceuticals as well as “street drugs”;
• Knowledge of mental health and chemical dependency issues;
• Knowledge of chemical dependency treatment concepts (Stages of Change);
• Knowledge of offender risk needs assessments;
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions;
• Knowledge of sociological and psychological theories and applications;
• Knowledge of Delaware County Personnel Manual;
• Knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;
• Knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code and the criminal justice system;
• Knowledge of treatment options and available resources;
• Ability to conceptualize and develop new methods of treatment and supervision;
• Ability to pass the ORAS risk needs assessment certification process;
• Knowledge of arrest procedures;
• Ability to interpret laws and policies and appropriately apply methods of treatment and supervision;
• Knowledge in use of security procedures for adult felons;
• Adequate knowledge to perform duties as listed;
• Able to adapt readily and to learn quickly;
• Logical thinker, ability to problem solve and make decisions;
• Ability to organize and maintain information and paperwork;
• Work independently;
• Work effectively with irate, distraught, emotionally or mentally affected clients;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Polite and courteous personality in dealing with clients, co-workers and the public;
• Ability to perform in the field of surveillance and apprehension/good physical condition;
• Ability to research and gather information and prepare same for presentation in Court;
• Ability to interpret chemical dependency and mental assessments and translate to appropriate interventions; and
• Ability to manage time effectively;

Equal Opportunity Employer
M/F/D/V