PROBATION OFFICER I

Description

The purpose of this position is to provide supervision to an assigned caseload of juvenile or adult offenders placed on court probation. This position is considered to be an entry-level professional position. Incumbents are assigned first-time, and low-level offenders requiring routine supervision and support. An incumbent in this position serves at the pleasure of the Judge or other appointing authority.

Examples of Duties

• Provides probationary supervision for a caseload of juvenile or adult offenders; reviews court records and court orders; determines obligations of offenders; conducts intake interviews; collects and records case intake data; obtains school records, social history, family history, etc.; explains conditions of probation, related programs, and the consequences of probation violation; installs ankle monitors and tracks probationers utilizing tracking software; coordinates drug screening; prepares reports for use in screening and placement of probationers; maintains regular communication with probationers, parents/guardians, employers, or other support persons; and closes cases or discharges probationers from supervision per case time limit.
• Formulates case plans for offenders; makes home, school, and/or field visits; establishes goals and sanctions; coordinates court ordered or sanctioned services with partnering agencies; monitors and verifies compliance with probation requirements, such as restitution, community service, fee and fine payments, evaluations, courses, treatment programs, etc.; makes referrals regarding counseling, community service, tutoring, mentoring, and work readiness training; and monitors clients’ school and work attendance and participation in programs.
• Identifies community resources designed to meet the needs of children and families and adult offenders; recruits, screens, and matches probationers to participate in approved programs; screens offenders for willingness and appropriateness; refers probationers and family members to community outreach and social service programs as needed; and coordinates with other agencies to assist with obtaining healthcare and medical coverage.
• Performs court officer duties; schedules, prepares, and presents cases within mandated time limits; provides notification to probationers of upcoming hearings; identifies witnesses, victims, and other relevant individuals needed to appear in court; prepares and executes subpoenas, summonses, and other legal documents; provides testimony in court; conducts case related research; and makes recommendation for dispensation of cases.
• Provides mediation as appropriate; prepares for and attends court hearings; reviews and screens cases eligible for mediation; facilitates meetings with involved parties; evaluates information and negotiates solutions; prepares mediation paperwork and agreements; and monitors compliance with mediation agreements.
• Provides individual, family, or group counseling and intervention programs as needed to ensure compliance with court orders; ensures progressive efforts toward rehabilitation and prevention; provides crisis counseling and mediates family or interpersonal conflicts; provides access to and attends mental health screening; and makes child protective service referrals as needed.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, judges, attorneys, clients, law enforcement, school officials, medical and mental health professionals, the public, outside organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, or related field; and one (1) year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Depending on area of assignment, may be required to possess and maintain Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certification.

Special Requirements:
None.

Knowledge, Skill, Abilities / Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local government operations, law enforcement related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers & software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use and safety of firearms.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and other relevant purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.