Probation Services Specialist

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, assists in determining offender needs for services as well as assisting the offender in applying for and accessing services. Carries a selective caseload of offenders, helping them with their supervision requirements, discharge/re-entry planning, education, job and life skills, and makes referrals to resources and services. Provides group facilitation, and administration of the Batterer's Treatment Program.  Also assists those involved with the specialty courts access to services as needed.  Provides counseling and crisis intervention services under appropriate guidance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position classification with responsibility of assisting and supporting the offenders to improve probation success and reduce recidivism. This classification is distinguished from the Probation Officer, as it is a non-sworn position with no responsibility for the supervision of those under probation supervision.  

REPORTS TO

Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Chief Probation Officer

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory classification. 

• Works with Probation Department staff to overcome the various barriers to educational, vocational, and daily living skills.  
• Facilitates Evidenced Based Programming and maintains the fidelity of the Batterer's Treatment Program. 
• Identifies offenders, who when released back into the community, have specialized discharge needs, i.e., pregnant females, mental health clients, homeless, etc.
• Interviews inmates and/or probationers to determine their needs for services and provide referrals to community agencies
• Maintains thorough case documentation.
• Facilitates access to services for offenders out of custody and those being released into the community, including their entry into medical, mental health or alcohol/drug treatment services.
• Coordinates with community-based services.
• Track offenders referrals to provide updated information.
• Develops a customized discharge plan based upon needs, before and after release.
• Assess needs and discuss options with offenders for continuing treatment within the community, considering cost, location and eligibility.
• Increase offender awareness and understanding of resources and service available.
• Attends specialty court calendar days, if designated, such as recovery court, veterans court, Mental Health Diversion, etc., and assist those in court with accessing services as needed.
• Educates offenders on social and health issues affected by lifestyle, and the availability of community resources.
• Researches local and regional resources that offenders may need upon leaving the area after release.
• May serve as a facilitator in group learning activities, reinforcing the new knowledge that is imparted.
• Recognizes cultural and ethnic differences of offenders, matching offenders to appropriate public, private or community services or resources, and arranges for language interpretation services as needed.
• Adheres to the industry standards for confidentiality with client information, per HIPAA.
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

Desired Skills: 

• Interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Coordinate multiple community resource to serve client needs.
• Gather, plan, and organize data and information.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, other county employees and representatives from other city, county, state and federal agencies.
• Interview and secure information from people.
• Make independent judgments and adopt quick, effective, and responsible courses of action during emergency situations.
• Effectively communicate in writing in the Probation case management system in an approved format.
• Facilitate and lead groups.
• Maintain a keyboard speed of 45 words per minute (Typing certificate required).  
• Gather and organize data and information.
• Effectively, tactfully, and courteously represent the Probation Department with the public and other law enforcement agencies.

Knowledge of: 

• Local community resources and various community service programs.
• Assessing, reviewing, updating and maintaining files, reports and documentation.
• Good public relations techniques.
• Work with computerized law enforcement information systems.

Training and Experience: 

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

• One year of performing social supportive work which would demonstrate an ability to learn the requirements as listed above.      
• Completion of college course work or possession/ability to obtain an associate’s degree or higher in a behavioral science field is desirable but not required.
• Experience working in community corrections is desirable but not required.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license.
• Must be eighteen (18) years old and a citizen of the United States; if a permanent resident alien, must obtain citizenship within three years from date of employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment background investigation and pre-duty drug screening test. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX; and use of two-way radio. 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in County jail, Day Reporting Center, office, clinic, or community environments; work is performed with people who may exhibit unstable and potentially violent behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Salary : $50,253 - $64,189