Probation Officer

Position Summary

The Probation Officer is responsible for conducting office and field investigations, preparing pre-sentence reports, counseling and giving casework supervision to adult probationers, preparing records and reports, implementing alternative sentencing options, and for performing related work as required by the 72nd District Court Judges and Chief Probation Officer. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform pre-sentence investigations and prepare reports of adult law violators.
• Conduct investigations of home background, criminal records, health, mental capacity, aptitude, financial resources and facts about the present offense.
• Prepare recommendations of the desirability of probation, and in cases involving restitution, the amount that the defendant is expected to pay.
• Supervise and give guidance to adult probationers by reviewing budgets, vocational plans and by personal counseling.
• May assist the probationer in obtaining work, making various family adjustments and other counseling.
• Report violations of probation.
• Prepare and maintain accurate case histories, records, reports and related materials.
• Assign and supervise the work of subordinate employees.
• Prepare alcohol/substance abuse assessments reports for the court in compliance with standards established by the Office of Substance Abuse Services.
• Obtain non-profit work sites throughout the County for alternative sentencing placements.
• Promote and maintain a positive image of the Court and programs in the community.
• Work non-traditional hours as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Probation Officer. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or Social Work.
• A minimum of one year of court or law enforcement experience is required.
• LEIN Certified preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of the behavioral sciences.
• Knowledge of investigative methods.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing adult probation work.
• Ability to work with and gain the cooperation of persons with anti-social tendencies.
• Ability to counsel individuals and families in social and economic planning.
• Ability to evaluate cases of adult law violators.
• Ability to work effectively with the public, other employees and police agencies.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs of the court, including alcohol and substance abuse screening and assessment; community service supervision; alternative sentencing and computerization.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must obtain LEIN certification and maintain throughout employment.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: 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 with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Stand and walk for significant periods of time; travel over uneven terrain.
• See details in color, at close range and at a distance.
• Good physical condition which will mean the fitness to be able to restrain, lift, move, push, pull or carry objects, equipment and animals during exams or procedures.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• May be exposed to working in close quarters, fumes or airborne particles, infectious diseases, criminal suspects.
• The employee works in areas where universal precautions are required and is frequently exposed to risk from bodily fluids.
• Due to the nature of the work hours may include overtime, evenings or weekends.
• Available for on-call work on weekends and evenings.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.