Probation Officer (Grant Funded)

South Bend, IN

Position: Position: Probation Officer (Grant funded)

Opening Date: Upon Approval Closing Date: Upon filling of position

Salary: Per Salary Schedule for Probation Officers

Department: St Joseph County Adult Probation Department Location: County-City Building

Status: Job Category:

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Description:

This position is full-time, non-exempt position and is covered under the Saint Joseph County Employee Policy Manual and St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department Policy Manual. Position is created and funded through a Grant with no assurance that it will be renewed or maintained as a position in the County Budget.

Incumbent serves as Probation Officer of the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department and is supervised by and reports to the Chief Probation Officer. Incumbent performs duties which are guided by definite objectives using a variety of methods or procedures and require the application of sound judgment based upon education, experience and require the application of sound judgment based upon education, experiences and training. Incumbent prepares Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports, Pre-Trial and any other reports as ordered by the Court. Incumbent will supervise adults placed under the supervision of the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department in accordance with Court orders and polices/procedures of the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department.

Essential Functions:

Incumbent will serve as Probation Officer and may be placed in any open division with the probation department. Primary function and placement will be within the Investigator/Writers Division of the Adult Probation Department. Performs duties of a Probation Officer, including but not limited to: writing pre-sentence investigation and pre-trial reports, completing assessments and sending appropriate referrals, and maintaining / supervising adult probation cases in accordance to Indiana Judicial Standards.

Performs record checks on defendants, contacting County Clerk, employers, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and other medical treatment agencies to ascertain and/or verify legal and social history.

Exercises analytical techniques to address problems that are embedded within the range of duties performed. Performs a wide range of complex duties within very general guidelines, adapting guidelines and rules to fit unique circumstances. Extensive analysis of the impact of decisions is required, and incumbent must frequently interpret precedents and facts to derive new methods and approaches for addressing the problems or circumstances.

Performs duties of a Probation Officer, including but not limited to: writing pre-sentence investigation and pre-trial reports, completing assessments and sending appropriate referrals, and maintaining / supervising adult probation cases in accordance to Indiana Judicial Standards.

Establishes appropriate restitution, including contacting victims, notifying other probationers and preparing and submitting documents to the Court, Clerk or other department/agency.

Documents direct interactions with clients, their treatment providers, and other connected third parties and other case activities, entering information into database and updating individual files for each client as required.

Assist adult probationers consistent with Court imposed probation conditions, including furnishing and explaining written statements, monitoring probationers compliance and assisting probationers in obtaining needed services from the appropriate public/private treatment and welfare agencies.

Attends regular staff meetings and serve on advisory/community boards, as designated by the CPO.

Assists the Courts, Prosecuting Attorneys, and other law enforcement officials in making decisions regarding the diversion of charged individuals to appropriate community alternatives for specific adults rather than traditi nal probation.

Assists Courts in transferring supervision of probationers to other jurisdictions, as required.

Notifies the Prosecutor and Courts when a client violates a condition of their probation entailing clients non-compliance and recommends legal actions.

Testifies in legal proceedings/Court as required.

Performs related duties as assigned and/or required by law.

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment or in probationers homes, including sitting for long periods, sitting/walking at will, close/far vision, lifting/carrying objects usually weighing less than 30 pounds, bending at waist, reaching and handling/grasping objects and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent may respond to a variety of situations involving potential physical harm to self or others, including being exposed to violent/irate individuals. Incumbent may work near fumes, odors, chemicals, dust and dirt, including exposure to meth labs and/or illegal drugs.

Incumbent may work evening hours, may work weekend hours and occasionally travels out of town for training and/or home visits, sometimes overnight.

Qualifications:

Must meet the minimum qualifications as established by the Judicial Conference of Indiana (http://www.in.gov/judiciary/probation/2345.htm)

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services or related field

Must be at least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States.

Ability to meet all department hiring and retention requirements, including certification as a Probation Officer and passage of a background check. Ability to obtain 12 continuing education credits per year.

Ability to attend training for the Indiana Risk Assessment System and pass necessary testing to obtain IRAS certification as specified by the Indiana Judicial Center. Ability to complete all necessary re-certifications as specified by the Indiana Judicial Center.

Drug testing may be required for appointment to position with random testing for retention of position.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including practical knowledge of customary practices and procedures of Court and in supervision of adult offenders.

Knowledge of human motivation and behavior and ability to apply such knowledge to specific situations and cases.

Knowledge of alcohol and drugs, treatment programs and services available to clients from government, soci