Probation Specialist

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Probation & Community Corrections, Probation & Community Corrections Coordinator, and in collaboration with Probation Officers, the Sobriety Treatment Program Team and Intensive Supervision Program, monitors probationers and the conditions of probation. Provides extensive fieldwork to monitor and supervise adherence to probation conditions. Attends and participates in Sobriety Court review sessions. Conducts pre-arraignment bond screens and prepares pretrial release recommendations. Processes eligible offenders to electronic monitoring.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administers preliminary breathalyzer tests and performs drug testing on a random and scheduled basis on misdemeanant and felony defendants. Follows urine collection protocols, policies and procedures as directed by supervisor.
• Performs start up and shut down procedures for automated analyzer.
• In collaboration with the Sobriety Treatment Program Team (STP) and Intensive Supervision Officers (ISP), supervises persons placed in STP and ISP and monitors compliance with terms of probation and program requirements. These terms may include curfews, drug/alcohol testing, counseling and other requirements.
• Conducts random checks during various times of the day and night on STP and ISP participants at home or other locations to verify compliance with conditions of probation and programs.
• Conducts warrantless searches on probationers, vehicles, and residences for any form of illegal substances, alcohol, weapons or other forms of contraband prohibited as part of the probation order.
• Enters and manages information in the Drug Court Case Management Information System (DCCMIS) and/or justice computer system.
• Prepares and fills out a daily activity report and maintains detailed records.
• Works with various law enforcement departments involving sharing information, assisting in investigations or problems with individuals on probation, sharing resources, and designing future intervention strategies and initiatives.
• Initiates and follows through with probation violations; includes determining if court order has been violated, securing documentation, verbally presenting the charges in court, and making dispositional recommendations to the judge. Appear in court as a witness for probation violations and other hearings.
• Conducts interviews and background checks for bond screens, and prepares a report in order to make recommendations for bond on domestic violence and felony cases, weekdays and weekends. Comprehends Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and Judicial Data Warehouse (JDW) information.
• Processes offenders as a condition of bond or term of probation on electronic monitoring.
• Helps support an equitable, safe, diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Associate's Degree or two years education in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or closely related area. Prior experience in the criminal justice system in the capacity of a caseworker, investigator, probation officer, or other professional role preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid State of Michigan Driver's License.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of sociology and criminology.
• Good working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Good working knowledge of abnormal and behavioral psychology and behavior modification principles and practices.
• Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of guidance and counseling.
• Good working knowledge of behavioral intervention and treatment programs.
• Good working knowledge of the Michigan Court Rules, and Michigan Criminal Code.
• Thorough working knowledge of principles and practices of probation and case management.
• Thorough working knowledge of substance abuse prevention programs and principles, and drug and alcohol testing protocols.
• Good working knowledge of family and peer group dynamics and other sociological factors influencing offender behavior.
• Good working knowledge of the sociology and internal dynamics of gangs.
• Knowledge of public and private community resources available to offenders and their families.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with word-processing, database management and other applications software.
• Good interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Exemplary customer service skills.
• Ability to interact positively and objectively with defendants, victims, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal communication skills.

• Must be able to pass a stringent background investigation.
• Must pass Ottawa County Sheriff Department (OCSD) requirements to gain entrance into the jail.
• Must be able and available to work irregular hours in order to conduct random surveillance, searches and bond screening.
• Oral and written fluency in Spanish, Cambodian, Lao or other language commonly spoken by one or more demographic groups represented in the population strongly preferred.

• Must possess sufficient auditory acuity, with or without audiological appliances, to monitor clients in all settings.
• Ability to climb stairs on a regular basis to conduct checks at various locations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, along with repetitive entering/exiting of the vehicle.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Probation & Community Corrections, Probation & Community Corrections Coordinator, and in collaboration with Probation Officers, the Sobriety Treatment Program Team and Intensive Supervision Program, monitors probationers and the conditions of probation. Provides extensive fieldwork to monitor and supervise adherence to probation conditions. Attends and participates in Sobriety Court review sessions. Conducts pre-arraignment bond screens and prepares pretrial release recommendations. Processes eligible offenders to electronic monitoring.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administers preliminary breathalyzer tests and performs drug testing on a random and scheduled basis on misdemeanant and felony defendants. Follows urine collection protocols, policies and procedures as directed by supervisor.
• Performs start up and shut down procedures for automated analyzer.
• In collaboration with the Sobriety Treatment Program Team (STP) and Intensive Supervision Officers (ISP), supervises persons placed in STP and ISP and monitors compliance with terms of probation and program requirements. These terms may include curfews, drug/alcohol testing, counseling and other requirements.
• Conducts random checks during various times of the day and night on STP and ISP participants at home or other locations to verify compliance with conditions of probation and programs.
• Conducts warrantless searches on probationers, vehicles, and residences for any form of illegal substances, alcohol, weapons or other forms of contraband prohibited as part of the probation order.
• Enters and manages information in the Drug Court Case Management Information System (DCCMIS) and/or justice computer system.
• Prepares and fills out a daily activity report and maintains detailed records.
• Works with various law enforcement departments involving sharing information, assisting in investigations or problems with individuals on probation, sharing resources, and designing future intervention strategies and initiatives.
• Initiates and follows through with probation violations; includes determining if court order has been violated, securing documentation, verbally presenting the charges in court, and making dispositional recommendations to the judge. Appear in court as a witness for probation violations and other hearings.
• Conducts interviews and background checks for bond screens, and prepares a report in order to make recommendations for bond on domestic violence and felony cases, weekdays and weekends. Comprehends Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and Judicial Data Warehouse (JDW) information.
• Processes offenders as a condition of bond or term of probation on electronic monitoring.
• Helps support an equitable, safe, diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Associate's Degree or two years education in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or closely related area. Prior experience in the criminal justice system in the capacity of a caseworker, investigator, probation officer, or other professional role preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid State of Michigan Driver's License.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of sociology and criminology.
• Good working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Good working knowledge of abnormal and behavioral psychology and behavior modification principles and practices.
• Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of guidance and counseling.
• Good working knowledge of behavioral intervention and treatment programs.
• Good working knowledge of the Michigan Court Rules, and Michigan Criminal Code.
• Thorough working knowledge of principles and practices of probation and case management.
• Thorough working knowledge of substance abuse prevention programs and principles, and drug and alcohol testing protocols.
• Good working knowledge of family and peer group dynamics and other sociological factors influencing offender behavior.
• Good working knowledge of the sociology and internal dynamics of gangs.
• Knowledge of public and private community resources available to offenders and their families.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with word-processing, database management and other applications software.
• Good interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Exemplary customer service skills.
• Ability to interact positively and objectively with defendants, victims, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal communication skills.

• Must be able to pass a stringent background investigation.
• Must pass Ottawa County Sheriff Department (OCSD) requirements to gain entrance into the jail.
• Must be able and available to work irregular hours in order to conduct random surveillance, searches and bond screening.
• Oral and written fluency in Spanish, Cambodian, Lao or other language commonly spoken by one or more demographic groups represented in the population strongly preferred.

• Must possess sufficient auditory acuity, with or without audiological appliances, to monitor clients in all settings.
• Ability to climb stairs on a regular basis to conduct checks at various locations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, along with repetitive entering/exiting of the vehicle.

This position is benefited and is in the District Court-Ottawa County Employees Association bargaining unit.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits Summary for more information.

The current District Court-Ottawa County Employees Association collective bargaining agreement can be viewed here. Click here for the pay scale.

**Part-time benefitted positions will recieve prorated benefits.