Probation Officer

Probation Officer

Under the supervision of the department Director, the Probation Officer is responsible for supervision of adult low risk and pre-trial offenders placed on supervision by the Court. Responsible for providing for the safety of the community and encouraging the rehabilitation of juvenile and adult offenders, using evidence-based practices, incorporating restorative justice practices, comprehensive investigative and analytic reports for use by the Court and for chemical health placements, supervising offenders, maintaining knowledge of all areas of offender deficits and mental health issues and anti-social thinking.

Duties and Responsibilities - Prepares comprehensive, investigative and analytical reports concerning offenders. Completes investigations into violations of Court supervision and prepares technical reports with recommendations for use by the Court. - Completes bail studies and formulates recommendations for release into the community. - Administers and interprets risk/needs assessments and documents case plans, in collaboration with other agencies, creates supervision plans. Provides rehabilitative plans to protect the community and rehabilitates offenders. - Testifies in court making recommendations regarding probationer violations and sentence recommendations. - Enrolls and supervises offenders in the Sentence to Service or community work service programs. - Interviews crime victims and gathers victim impact statements according to statutory requirements. Gathers restitution information to provide to the Court. - Facilitates programming such as domestic programming and cognitive skills programs. - Authorizes and makes arrests of offenders in violation of their probationary conditions in compliance with Minnesota statutes regarding probation agent authority to arrest. - Performs drug tests on offenders, requiring the taking and testing of urine samples, using proper chain of custody guidelines.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities - Creates and maintains chronological records of cases. Ensures data is accessed and secured in compliance with departmental, state and federal rules and guidelines. - Responds to calls 24 hours a day from law enforcement or other agencies regarding offenders. - Participates and collaborates in county, community and statewide committees. - Attends training/educational sessions, seminars and regional meetings to keep current in best practices and laws, policies and procedures affecting work responsibilities.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge of current best practices and principles of criminal justice and related social science disciplines. - Knowledge of Minnesota state laws, Court rules, and professional Corrections standards. - Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, sufficient to testify in Court and write clear and concise reports. - Knowledge of interviewing techniques. - Skill operating computers and relevant software, including Corrections related programs (CSTS, Odyssey). - Ability to maintain confidentiality and data privacy. - Ability to respond to calls for services outside of normal work schedule. - Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved; supervisor generally sets operating benchmarks, goals and objectives. - Ability to manage complex work with considerable analytical ability to select, evaluate and interpret data from several sources and interpret guidelines, policies and procedures. - Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives in matters requiring cooperation, explanation and persuasion.

Education and Experience - Requires a four-year degree in related field. - One to three years of related experience. - Meet minimum Minnesota Department of Corrections Agent qualifications

Licenses/Certifications This position will require the acquisition and maintenance of the following additional certificates/licenses: - Valid Driver's License

Equipment and Tools Responsibilities - Frequently operates office equipment. - Intermittently must operate Breathalyzer and County vehicles.

Physical and Mental Requirements This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 10 pounds of force.

Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment with travel and field visits also required. The potential for physical harm exists when dealing with offenders. There is potential exposure to blood borne pathogens. The position requires non-traditional, flexible hours.

Competencies Common to All County Positions - Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures. - Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff. - Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible. - Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities. - Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

Salary range: $76,634 - $102,192

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.