JOB
Under general supervision of the Community Corrections Supervisor, the Probation Officer I is responsible in promoting the safety of all citizens in building client competencies through increased community collaboration and restoring the victim's sense of security when affected by crime. This position performs probation officer/case management services to adult or juvenile clients in an effort to reduce recidivism. This position performs investigations ordered by the court or Department of Corrections, maintains client records, completes recording of data collected, coordinates drug testing program and promotes public safety. This position is also responsible for random contact with clients in the community, their homes, and at work; formulating, testing, implementing, and facilitating programs; conducting risk/need assessments; involvement in their treatment programming; handling crisis interventions; performing court-related activities; establishing community norms, standards, and sanctions.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs client investigations. Determines criminal history scores; reviews written reports from law enforcement or other credible sources; motivationally interviews the client, family, relatives, victims, school officials, and other collateral contacts. Completes necessary paperwork including assessments, referral forms, data privacy releases, release of information forms, risk/needs classification instruments, etc. Determines restitution, community safety, client accountability, and rehabilitation. Writes investigative reports, bail evaluations, violation reports, discharge recommendations, letters, memos, etc. for the district court and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Prepares sentencing worksheets, reviews, and interprets statute and plea agreements, and calculates jail credit for the court.Conducts risk/need assessments according to department policy on clients under supervision. Assessments will be basis of supervision plan for the client in the community and will focus on criminogenic needs as identified on the assessment. Imposes a level of supervision of all clients per department caseload management classification system to enhance public safety, enforce law-abiding behavior and compliance with rules established by the court or releasing authority. Provides client community supervision. Supervises sentenced/adjudicated and accused clients assigned by the court, county attorney, or Minnesota Department of Corrections. Monitors, manages, and adjusts client behavior in the community while focusing on areas of need based on client risk/need assessment. Utilizes individual cognitive behavioral interventions in individual appointments. Supervises clients through various correspondence, telephone, office appointments, and/or home visits. Coordinates case planning with the client, parents, support system, and other involved professionals as needed.Maintains, prepares, and submits accurate, extensive, and complete reports to the court and Minnesota Department of Corrections. Maintains file and computer database of pertinent client information. Maintains awareness and compliance with agency and county policies and procedures, changes in statutes, data privacy issues, etc. pertinent to the performance and expertise as a probation agent.Aids and promotes public safety. Exchanges information with law enforcement regarding the status of clients supervised. Issues apprehension and detention orders as needed to enforce discipline or prevent escape. Interacts appropriately with clients to search and investigate their behavior and surroundings, detain and calm resistive and violent clients, and judiciously use the power of arrest and detention. Provides after hours on call services as needed by management, law enforcement, or other agencies.Assists in formulating, testing, implementing, and facilitating Correctional Programs and Department Policy. Facilitates cognitive programming in a group setting. Develops and participates in corrections policies and programming to assist in the rehabilitation of clients. Maintains statistical records to facilitate a process to determine the effectiveness of programming efforts. Supports the fee structures in place to assure support and continuation of programming efforts.Assesses client intervention needs. Refers client to appropriate community resources. Ensures necessary services are delivered and confirms disposition of service.Provides Credible Testimony in Court. Attends and testifies in criminal and civil court proceedings. Represents the interests of the county, state, and federal government. Makes a verbal account for observations, actions, and findings while performing official duties. Attends all required court and administrative hearings and court functions involving assigned clients. Presents to the court or hearing officer and recommends dispositional alternatives. Testifies at violation and dispositional hearings. Communicates with other professionals for case consultation and carries out the directives of the court. Reviews court documents for accuracy and follows up as needed.Coordinates drug testing program for the agency. Performs collection and testing for mood altering chemicals. Manages specimens, runs analyzer, and provides results to staff. Assures DNA collection complies with State statutes. Completes electronic monitoring referrals and sets schedules and exclusion zones. Communicates with monitoring company regarding violations and installs/removes equipment.Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.Interacts positively with internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations as well as clientele under supervision.Performs the physical and mental demands of the position. Attends work during regularly scheduled hours. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: Establishes community norms, standards, and sanctions: Meets with supervisors, public officials, attorneys, judges, and law enforcement to develop innovative sentencing options and alternatives. Networks with treatment providers and human services to develop therapeutic program alternatives.Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration. Facilitates training and education opportunities in dealing as a probation officer with client behaviors. Participates in peer support. Staff development will be focused on evidence-based practices in an effort to enhance officer skill set to reduce recidivism of supervised clients. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with officers and departments from other counties and states to learn about ongoing research and evidence-based practices that are achieving effective results. Represents the department on local, regional, or statewide committees and organizations.Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening, weekend and overtime hours will be required. This position does require flexible and changing work hours with "on-call" as approved by the supervisor to meet the needs of the position.