Probation Officer - Sr

Job Title

Starting Compensation: $62,465.13/Annually

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Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

• This position involves the administration of criminal justice, supervising individuals on probation or parole.
• Work is accomplished through the assignment of a caseload of individuals for which the employee is responsible.
• The individual holding this position will also be responsible for the collection, storing, and transmission of genetic evidence pursuant to the mandate of 44 Pa. C.S. Chapter 23, DNA Data and Testing, and assuring compliance with the provisions therein.
• As an appointed representative of the Court, this employee is responsible to provide legal accountability through enforcement, intervention, and redirection as required/needed by each client on probation/parole supervision.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports directly to a Supervisor in Adult Probation and Parole Services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 30% Interview assigned offenders in office, prison, home, and employment settings to determine compliance with supervision directives, problems encountered, progress in applicable programs, and any other particular circumstances. Interview offender's family members, friends, associates, co-workers, and other knowledgeable individuals to verify information.
• 15% Develop and implement intervention strategies necessary to reduce or eliminate offender's criminal behavior. Determine the type and extent of counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and other supports needed. Coordinate support and treatment services between service providers and the Office of Adult Probation and Parole. Develop and participate in short and long-range goals and plans including treatment services, supervision requirements, and support networks.
• 15% Complete required documentation both within and for related agencies.
• 15% Assist in locating and handling offenders in instances of parole violations and/or subsequent offenses. Prepare summaries of case records and history, including recommendations for continued and/or changes to treatment. Schedule actions and work required by terms of status, including: court dates, hearing, and evaluations. Attend court appearances to provide requested information and secure documents.
• 10% Develop and maintain an organized and efficient system to assure agency-wide compliance with the provisions of 44 Pa. C.S. Chapter 23, DNA Data and Testing, requiring collection, storage and transmission of genetic evidence. Assignments include, but are not limited to:
• Identification and tracking of sexual and violent offenders who are subject to the Act.
• Maintenance of chain of custody as related to genetic evidence which includes management of saliva samples and fingerprint records.
• When possible, obtain from State Board of Health certification enabling the collection of DNA samples from designated offender population via mouth swabs.
• Development of proficiency in obtaining fingerprints from designated offender population through traditional methods or via LiveScan.
• Coordination of the production of DNA samples and fingerprint records with other law enforcement officials.
• Communication with State Police for purposes of ordering DNA kits for use with offender population.
• Completion of PSP database collection card with appropriate Pa. Crimes Code section number, grade, and offense name.
• Collection and assembly of DNA sample, fingerprint records, and database collection card for delivery to PSP laboratory.
• Witness the drawing of the DNA sample as it is taken from the offender. Match records and identifiers to establish offender identity and assure that fingerprint records, DNA samples and database collection cards match the specific offender prior to transmission to PSP laboratory. Obtain signature of offender acknowledging his identity as the provider of the DNA sample and fingerprint record.
• Immediately upon collection and assembly of the DNA sample, fingerprint record, and database collection card, and confirming offender identity, transmit all required information to the PSP laboratory via designated carrier.
• Appear in court for purposes of providing testimony on matters which are relevant to compliance or non-compliance with the Act and related procedures including but not limited to chain of custody.
• 5% Review available records of past criminal history, psychological or psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic testing, employment, and related psycho-social information.
• 5% Re-assess overall status of offenders through use of the APPS assessment tool and evaluate for specific intervention/treatment needs. Identify behavior patterns and adaptive skills.
• 5% Regularly attend mandatory and additional training in the areas of safety, self defense, related human service areas, and for full/up-to-date proficiency in the use of computers, as required by job duties. Employee will learn arrest skills and become involved in offender detentions.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education requirement is completion of a bachelor's degree program with course work in psychology, social work, criminal justice or closely related field; minimum of one year experience in the field of probation/parole supervision; or any combination of the minimum acceptable education and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of characteristics of individual and group behavior, particularly that of individuals involved with criminal activities and/or anti-social behavior.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in counseling adult offenders.
• Basic knowledge of the principles and policies of the criminal justice system, including statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to learn the specific operations, practices, and procedures of probation and parole supervision, as it applies to treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with offenders, their associates, members of the Judiciary, co-workers, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to identify and locate available community resources dealing with issues affecting offenders.
• Ability to plan, document, and carry out all steps necessary to implement treatment intervention strategies.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete caseload records for use by others.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage time with efficiency and effectiveness.
• Proficiency in the use of, or willingness to learn, computers and software applications, as required by job duties.
• Complete understanding of the mandates of 44 Pa. C.S. Chapter 23, DNA Data and Testing, and the capability to assure comprehensive compliance by all members of the designated population.

Required Licenses/Certifications/Clearances

• The candidate must pass a background investigation as required by Act 57 of 2020, 44 Pa. C.S. § 7301 et seq., and regulated by 37 Pa. Code § 241.5; a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History clearance, psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical examination, credit check, driver history check, and a drug/alcohol screening.
• Please be advised that 44 Pa. C.S. § 7310 and 37 Pa. Code § 241.6(1) also requires candidates to sign a waiver allowing Lancaster County Human Resources to contact the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission to seek a copy of any separation records on file.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.
• Ability to sit, sometimes for long periods of time.
• Ability to escort offenders from waiting area to office.
• Ability to operate a computer or laptop.
• Ability to lift and move files weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to effect an arrest of an offender.
• Ability to defend oneself from personal attack.
• Ability to provide own transportation to and from offender's homes, meetings, and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and ability to access those locations with reasonable accommodations.