Akron Region - Parole Officer Continuous Posting 2026

Organization Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction – Rehabilitation & Correction, Parole and Community Service Agency Contact: Gina Seel – View email address on click.appcast.io Job Title Parole Officer – Akron Region (Counties: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Coshocton, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Wayne) Job Duties Under general supervision from Supervisor, oversee offenders. Interview, visit and observe offenders at residence, work site or other community locations. Utilize evidence‑based supervision practices to facilitate behavioral change in offenders. Obtain certification in Ohio Risk Assessment System and complete offender risk assessments as directed. Interview offenders and review documents, records and reports to develop case plans in conjunction with offenders addressing identified risk factors. Maintain and review case plans with offenders throughout the supervision period to gauge progress of established goals. Provide individual and group advice by listening, speaking and providing written instructions to offenders. Conduct visual and auditory surveillance, including operating electronic monitor equipment as needed. Perform drug testing by collecting and transporting specimens or using drug kit procedures when necessary and maintain a written chain of evidence. Conduct DNA testing as prescribed by statute. Find employment and vocational opportunities for offenders by making referrals to community service agencies. Maintain contact with offender families, friends, employers and others by interviewing, observing behaviors and reviewing written documents and records. Develop sound caseload management by analyzing caseload and making necessary community referrals to adjust offender activity. Oversee caseload that requires special training to supervise substance abusers, drug offenders, sex offenders, special releasees and special needs offenders. Conduct and complete placement, arrest and violation investigations by interviewing individuals, reading and understanding technical information including medical, psychological, law enforcement and legal documents. Complete reports of investigations using a personal computer, writing or dictating appropriate recommendations for judges, parole administrators or parole board members. Update and use records through Field Officer Tools (FOT) to record offender case activity and officer activity. Travel to offender homes, places of employment, jails and courts in a personal or state vehicle. Prepare information and initiate packets for Parole Board Hearings. Screen inmates to determine eligibility and make recommendations for transfer into transitional control program. Respond in writing to inmate inquiries. Conduct and complete clemency and other investigations. Facilitate special hearings (clemency, full board) when needed. Deliver written arrest, hold and release orders. Secure and deliver search warrants and subpoenas to jails and law enforcement, correctional and court agencies. Pursue declared violators‑at‑large, arrest violators and conduct search and seizure of contraband, including walking, running, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, lifting or using force such as applying unarmed self‑defense techniques or using restraining devices and OC spray/pepper gas as needed. Develop and present cases at revocation hearings. Collect evidence, organize written documents, records and reports, examine and cross‑examine witnesses, and testify as required. Transport witnesses or violators or other releases using a personal or state vehicle. Provide work direction and train staff through orientation, on‑the‑job training and in‑service training. Create lesson plans and training documents. Oversee an outpost office consisting of two to three less experienced staff. Conduct background investigations on prospective employees. Develop working relations with community agencies, citizen groups and criminal justice agencies to secure community resources for clients. Write or dictate speeches and presentations for authorized speaking engagements. Participate on community councils and committees. Coordinate with halfway houses and prevention programs. Liaise with state hospitals to accomplish appropriate level of services for clients. Present pre‑release programs at penal institutions from written presentation guide or lesson plan. Attend staff meetings, conferences and training sessions. Conduct oneself professionally and law‑abiding manner at all times in accordance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Standards of Employee Conduct. Qualifications Associate’s degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of experience in criminal justice, corrections, law enforcement, social services or related field; must have no legal prohibition against carrying firearms; valid driver’s license. Or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; must have no legal prohibition against carrying firearms; valid driver’s license. Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Must successfully pass parole officer assessment or have completed assessment within past 12 months; or current Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction employee previously certified as parole officer. Probationary period of 365 days. Good communication, critical thinking, and verbal and written skills. Benefits Medical coverage. Free dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility. Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Childbirth, adoption and foster care leave. Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more). Pre‑Employment Requirements All final selected applicants will be required to submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use and marijuana prior to appointment. A positive test may not result in offer unless medical documentation of prescribed medication or medical marijuana is provided. A criminal background check will be performed and prior convictions will be considered. EEO & Disability Inclusion Statement Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. Drug‑Free Workplace The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). This position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39) and as outlined in the posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Ohio