Probation Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Base salary is listed; actual pay will vary based on the Probation Officer’s years of experience, in accordance with the salary schedule established by the Judicial Conference of Indiana.

• A probation officer shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• A probation officer shall be an American citizen.
• A person who submits an application to take the examination for prospective probation officers shall have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or be in the last semester of a baccalaureate degree program. A person may not serve as a probation officer until he or she has received a baccalaureate degree.
• A person who submits an application to take the examination for prospective probation officers shall be a person of good moral character.
• A person shall take and pass an examination for prospective probation officers prior to employment or within six months from the date that the person is first employed as a probation officer.

• A person who fails the probation officer examination shall not be permitted to serve as a probation officer. The person is eligible to re-take the examination at the next available testing date.
• A person who fails the probation officer examination after a second attempt shall not be eligible to take the examination or serve as a probation officer for one year from the date of the second examination.

• A probation officer shall be required to attend an orientation program conducted by the IOCS within one year from the date that the officer is employed.
• The qualifications established by the Judicial Conference of Indiana shall be minimum qualifications only, and a trial court judge may require higher qualifications for probation officers.
• A person shall be certified in the Indiana risk Assessment IRAS or IYAS.
• A person shall have knowledge of Interstate and Intrastate policies and procedures.

  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Conduct Indiana Risk Assessment
• Conduct pre-sentence investigations and prepare reports as required.
• Maintain probation caseload for adult offenders.
• Interview offenders and prepare case plans, reports and recommendations for the court, based on risk and need.
• Supervise offender, keep accurate case notes and paperwork and attend relevant hearings.
• Administer urinalysis testing.
• Monitor all terms and conditions of probation as handed down by the courts.
• Notify the court of any modifications in the conditions of probation.
• Assist the courts in making pretrial release decisions, based on Indiana Risk Assessment
• Assist enforcement officials in making decisions regarding the diversion of charged individuals to appropriate non-criminal alternatives.
• Maintain regular communications with public and private agencies, other departments and persons to obtain and disseminate information concerning then treatment and welfare of probationers.
• Oversee the collection of all fines and fees imposed by the courts to all caseload offenders.

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system, including practical knowledge of the customary practices and procedures of the court and specialized knowledge and understanding of the accepted principles of effective intervention involved in the supervision of probationers.
• Ability to effectively supervise, counsel and direct a wide range of individuals and to assist them in obtaining a variety of special services.
• Ability to effectively interview, investigate, and work with clients to assure proper completion of all probation requirements, including the Indiana Risk Assessment.
• Ability to resolve emergency/crises situations and take appropriate action.
• Thorough knowledge of treatment program and services available to clients from other government, social and private agencies.
• Complete knowledge of standard policies and practices of the Floyd County, IN legal process and probation office.
• Practical understanding of human motivation and behavior and ability to apply such knowledge in specific situations and case, based on risk and need.
• Ability to understand both general and specific directives and to work effectively in situations of potential stress and conflict with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all departmental records and information.
• Ability to follow all personnel policies and rules of the organization.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:  

• Ability to meet state judicial conference minimum qualifications, including possession of a baccalaureate degree and ability to pass qualification examination.
• Ability to attend and obtain certification in Effective Motivational Communication Strategies (ECMS).
• Ability to attend and obtain certification in Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS/IYAS).
• Officer shall possess knowledge of and support the principles of Effective Interventions
• Officer must attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually.
• Officer must complete probation officer orientation.
• Officer must complete orientation of Floyd County, Indiana probation policy and procedure and Floyd County Employee Handbook.