Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer - PSI Probation Officer

JOB OBJECTIVES: Under the direction of the Chief of Probation and/or Assistant Chief and Unit Supervisor. The incumbent prepares Pre-Sentence Investigation reports for the Common Pleas Courts

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Prepares Pre-Sentence Investigation reports for the Common Pleas Courts which include:

• Enforces rules and regulations of probation and all orders of the Court, including collection of court costs, restitution and supervision fees
• Maintains responsibility for assigned caseload
• Conducts face-to-face office meetings with clients to ensure compliance
• Documents case file notes and collateral contacts

• Obtaining and reviewing court documents.

• Reviewing police reports

• Conducting comprehensive criminal history checks

• Interviewing defendants utilizing the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS)

• Interviewing victims and preparing Victim Impact Statements

• Conducting collateral interviews as necessary

• Make appropriate recommendations to the Court based on sentencing guidelines and the facts obtained in the case

• Submitting supplemental information to the Courts when necessary

• Maintaining completed PSI reports on the designated “P” drive in the proper format

• Completes required training on an annual basis

• Follows CCA standards relative to ORAS quality assurance

• LEADS Operator

• Ability to organize effectively

• Ability to type efficiently with Word and Adobe Acrobat

• Ability to compile reports with minimal to no grammatical/factual errors

• Attends sentencing hearings, if necessary

• Offering court testimony when required

• Assigning Pre-Sentence Investigations, if directed

• Maintains spreadsheet with case assignments, if directed

• Assists in training new officers, if directed

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Equipment: Incumbent operates equipment such as, but not limited to, the following: Copy machine, computer terminal, personal computer, facsimile machine, printing equipment, telephone, surgical gloves, face mask and you may be required to travel by car (department’s or personal).

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Court procedures and testimony.

• Knowledge of Sections of the State of Ohio Revised Code relevant to Adult Probation.

• Knowledge of the State of Ohio Revised Code Section 2951.03 pertaining to PSI Reports.

• Demonstrate an understanding of technical information, including medical, psychological, law enforcement, and legal documents.

• Knowledge of Portage County Adult Probation policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices regarding the Due Process Procedures.

• Demonstrate an understanding of Interstate Compact Rules and Procedures.

• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for Drug/Alcohol testing.

• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for DNA Collection.

• Exhibits problem solving skills with an emphasis in conflict resolution and crisis management/intervention.

• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for Pre-Sentence Investigations.

• Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for disposal of bio-hazardous waste and materials.

• Demonstrate computer literacy and/or technical competency necessary to complete departmental tasks including but not limited to; Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications (CourtView, OHLEG, and LEADS).

• Possess oral and written communication skills necessary to elicit information utilizing Basic and Motivational Interviewing Techniques

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Risk/Needs Assessment ORAS and provide appropriate referrals and recommendations based on the risk assessment results utilizing community resources.

• Required to annually complete Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction (ODRC) training.

Working hours 8:00am- 4:00pm

Location: 209 S. Chestnut Street, Suite 302, Ravenna, OH 44266