Parole Officer

Parole Officer

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Correction Division of Parole Services: The Division of Parole Services was established within the Indiana Department of Correction in the 1960's severing its relationship with the State Welfare Department. Parole Services is charged with enhancing public safety by providing community based supervision and services for adult offenders through the use of evidence based practices as they transition from a Correctional Facility to Community Supervision. Parole Services Division operates out of ten district offices located across the State.

Role Overview: As a Parole Officer, you must be able to gather and interpret information regarding the parolees' living, mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Consequence of error is moderate to high, potentially involving the safety and security of other employees and parolees. This position covers Parole District (6). Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Complete an initial Risk Assessment and a Re-entry Accountability Plan on each offender.
• Subsequent Re-entry Accountability Plans are required by policy.
• Maintain and provide accurate electronic and written records concerning all aspects of the supervision of assigned parolees, on a regular and ad hoc basis.
• Communicate with parolees and complete subsequent case notes as required, and as dictated by the risk assessment at a work site, home, office, or other location.
• Monitor a parolee's movement, housing, employment, and other services, including for registered sex offenders.
• Provide counseling services to offenders transitioning back into the community, including direction and assistance in securing employment, schooling, training and/or housing for offenders leaving the custody of the department.
• Promote and develop community resources for offender programs and treatment and maintain records of community resources.
• Conduct community-based investigations for clemency and parole, including parole violations, per Departmental and State laws and procedures. This may include apprehension of offenders who have violated the conditions of parole.
• Serve as an expert witness/subject matter expert in various legal proceedings and hearings.
• Hold probable cause hearings, administer drug/alcohol screenings to offenders, and promote and develop community resources.
• Respond to emergency contacts on a 24 hour/7 days per week basis.
• Transport or assist in the transportation of offenders to departmental facilities.

What You'll Need for Success: Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must test negative on all drug screenings.
• Upon hire, must qualify for and maintain firearm certification as well as carry a firearm in the performance of duties. This includes successful completion of Parole Academy as part of initial onboarding.
• Broad knowledge of the laws, rules, departmental policy, and procedures concerning the supervision of paroled offenders.
• Working knowledge of community-based resources (education, employment, counseling, rehabilitation, etc.) to aid in the parolee's transition.
• Extensive problem-solving abilities as it relates to case management.
• Ability to accurately assess an offender's risk level, as well as report signs of illness and inappropriate behavior.
• Ability to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation into a parolee's activities, including community investigation.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with all parolees as well as their families, employers, and program providers. This includes cooperative relationships with local law enforcement, judges, and other local officials for effective parolee reintegration.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to apply as needed.
• A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 2 years of full-time professional experience in criminal justice, correctional counseling, criminology, parole/probation work, law enforcement, social work, or a related area and experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
• Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.