Probation Officer

General Nature of Work

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive supervision and case management of assigned probationers. This is a full-time non-exempt position.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Screens and processes all assigned incoming cases through disposition.
• Supervises assigned probationers; maintains related files as required.
• Conducts office, school, employment and/or home visits according to department standards.
• Documents all contacts with probationers in chronological order.
• Prepares various written reports; maintains accurate documentation, including case plans, chronological notes, exit plans, and follow-ups.
• Interviews and counsels’ probationers; mediates between victims and perpetrators; conducts individual and family counseling; meets with probationers.
• Performs drug screening procedures on probationers.
• Refers probationers and their families to appropriate agencies and treatment providers.
• Submits violation reports and attends all required court hearings.
• Attend meetings with representatives of other agencies.
• Completes case plan reviews.
• The ability to operate in a constant state of alertness, and safe manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of judicial and probation planning, case management, and rehabilitation principles, practices, procedures and systems.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
• Knowledge of available community resources and social service resources for application to functional area of responsibility.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skilled in interpersonal, leadership, planning, management and communication; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing and in presentations.
• Skill in the preparation of clear and concise reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a High School or GED equivalent.
• Must have Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• 1-2 years of probation officer experience preferred.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, and/or summarize data.
• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well-established policies, procedures and standards. Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county personnel, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, attorneys, offenders and their families, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to motivate or influence persons.
• Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and rapid adjustments.
• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.
• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to follow instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties which are often characterized by frequent change.

Guidelines: Guidelines include court orders and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application.

Supervisory Controls: The Accountability Court Coordinator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Complexity/Scope of Work: The work consists of varied case management duties. The unique needs of each client contribute to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to manage an assigned probationer caseload. Success in this position contributes to probationer compliance with probation requirements.

ADA Requirements: Individuals applying for the posted positing must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in work in an office environment, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-25 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Work Environment: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.