Probation Officer I

Adult Probation Officers serve under the auspices of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.  The Adult Probation Officer I will supervise justice involved individuals that have been granted parole or sentenced to probation by the court. The purpose of this position is to encourage long term positive change, enforce compliance with court ordered conditions and help reduce the risk of recidivism.

• Support the Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles of the Adult Probation, Parole and Pretrial Services Department.
• Support, promote and actively engage in the use of evidence-based practices such as risk and needs assessments, motivational interviewing, case planning and skill building exercises.  
• Utilize the risk/needs results to make appropriate referrals to treatment agencies to address the individual’s needs and continuously monitor the individual’s participation and progress in these programs to ensure compliance and appropriate outcomes.  
• Enforce confidentiality of protected information
• Provide ongoing supervision by maintaining regular contact with justice involved individuals, monitoring compliance with rules and regulations of probation and parole, along with special conditions imposed by the court.   Officers work to ensure community safety, identify violations, and take appropriate actions. 
• Maintain professional and timely contact with family members, victims, members of law enforcement, the court, community, and treatment providers.
• Gather information through interviews with, clients, victims, court, law enforcement, treatment providers and other parties as necessary.
• Complete and submit Court reports with an emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, professionalism, appropriate use of grammar and proper formatting.
• Actively promote teamwork among units and the department.
• Ensure that all information pertaining to case work is well documented, thorough, and accurate.
• Support and monitor the collection of fines, costs, and restitution.
• Maintain a confident demeanor with the ability to testify in court on all information pertaining to those individuals under supervision. 
• Perform duty team tasks, which include assisting with temporarily unsupervised caseloads, answering phone calls testifying in court, and interviewing new clients who have been sentenced or released from prison.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.
• Evidence of job-related experience and or training
• Basic knowledge of criminal justice terminology and court procedures.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with an ability to prioritize.
• Strong ability to assess needs and priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates integrity and honesty.
• Ability to maintain confidential information to make firm, unbiased decisions.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.
• Strong professional ethics and public image required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

 
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• One year of Criminal Justice or Social Service experience
•  Familiarity with the laws and procedures concerning probation/parole supervision (i.e., search and seizures, violations, confidentiality etc.).
• Knowledge of illegal and prescription drugs, and the effects, and length of time spent in someone's system.
• Working knowledge of psychology and substance abuse would be helpful.
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices and motivational interviewing.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word, Search Engine, Access and Excel skills
• Basic Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Data entry skills for Case Management system

 
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear, and drive a vehicle.  Occasionally, the employee will need to bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat; climb stairs; and taste or smell.  On rare occasions, the employee will need to carry, lift, or push items; twist or rotate at the waist; and reach above shoulder height. 
 
The special vision requirements listed for this position are:

• Close and distance vision while driving a vehicle.
• Peripheral vision for safety reasons (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point).

 
Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Will work inside approximately 75% of the time.
• Will work in the field approximately 25% of the time (visiting individual’s homes, place of employment, courtroom appearances, treatment facilities, etc.).
• Will be unable to carry weapons while in the field or in the office.
• Monitoring drug and alcohol use exposes incumbent to potential health risks.

 
Other:

• Strong interviewing and communication skills are necessary, as you will work with a wide variety of individuals, from cooperative to aggressive. 
• Work nontraditional hours as required to meet the needs of individuals under the supervision of the Court.
• Satisfactory completion of self-defense/ defensive tactics training.