Probation Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to supervise persons serving misdemeanor probation sentences. Work includes but is not limited to monitoring all aspects of a probationer’s compliance with reporting, payment of fines and fees, completion of community service work, and completion of required courses, treatment programs and other conditions of probation. Prepare and present cases in court on revocation hearings and assist with administrative functions as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise persons serving misdemeanor probation sentences and monitoring all aspects of a probationer’s compliance with reporting, payment of fines and fees, completion of community service work, and completion of required courses, treatment programs and other conditions of probation. 

Regularly participates in drug testing training, and alcohol & drug training, in order to provide proper supervision. 

Performs initial intake assessment of the probationers and their needs upon entering the program.

Conducts work and home assessment checks. 

Responsible for notifying sentencing judge of probationer’s non-compliance, including preparation of petitions to revoke probation, probation warrants, tolling orders, and other documentation as needed. 

Prepares petitions to revoke probation and/or probation warrants for probationers having violated the terms and conditions of their court ordered probation agreements.

Attends revocation hearings and makes recommendations as requested by sentencing judge. 

Attends and participates in various staffing sessions to increase the chances of a successful probation period.

Establishes and updates dispositional reports, summaries and case files, including all necessary legal documentation for revocation hearings.

Assesses, collects and accounts for court imposed fines and fees as paid by probationers.

Receives, researches and responds to concerns, inquiries and complaints from employers, various law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

Coordinates drug screening/assessment services as required when indicated.

Establishes appropriate location for community service requirements with each offender.

Explains how to register and participate in any course work, conditions or assessments as required by the court.

May function in an on-call capacity to support law enforcement needs; participates in continuing education to maintain professional competence and certification. 

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience: 

According to Georgia Rules and Regulations Chapter 503-1 all probations officers must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment and have completed a standard two-year college course of study or 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours from an accredited institution or have four years of law enforcement experience as certified peace officer or jurisdictional equivalent, at the time of appointment.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Georgia driver’s license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of judicial and probation planning, case management, and rehabilitation principles, practices, procedures and systems. 

Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.

Knowledge of available community resources and social service resources for application to functional area of responsibility.

Knowledge and skills in operating personal computers, standard office equipment and software applications, e.g., word processors, database software, spreadsheet applications.

Skilled in interpersonal, leadership, planning, management and communication; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing and in presentations.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and in presenting information and responding to questions regarding functional area of assignment.

Ability to maintain effective records maintenance and file management systems.

Ability to present information and respond to questions regarding functional area of assignment.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and legal documentation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with probationers, family members, social service agencies, co-workers, department management, members of the judiciary, and the general public.

Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction. General working knowledge of GCIC/NCIC computer terminal system.

Ability to work independently, plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

Ability to operate mobile communications and surveillance equipment.

Ability to read a variety of reports, invoices, orders and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare jury trial, jail call and daily court calendars, jail information records, payrolls, and criminal cases pending reports, using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

Ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.

Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including law enforcement and police communications terminology.

Ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, utilize and determine percentages.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability:  Essential functions continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); move oneself by walking a variety of environments; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, twisting at the waist, hips or knees; move oneself by crawling on hands and knees; ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and ramps; maintain body equilibrium to prevent failing when walking, standing, or navigating narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces; reach overhead; repetitively use hands/arms/legs; grasp items; and move/transport items up to 25lbs. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May be required to restrain hostile persons of much greater size. May be required to physically defend oneself from violent physical attack by persons with intent on inflicting serious bodily injury or death. Incumbents constantly must think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Additionally, essential functions continuously require incumbents to be on call and work irregular hours (nights, weekends, holidays); attend work related meetings and trainings; direct others; handle confidential information; maintain stamina during the work day; meet deadlines; operate equipment; stay organized; use math/calculations; and use a keyboard or type.

Essential functions frequently require the ability to position oneself by crouching or kneeling and to push or pull items. Occasionally, incumbents must move/transport items 26lbs and over. 

Sensory Requirements:  Essential Functions require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use tools and equipment; visually discern differences in color.

Environmental Factors:  Essential functions are continuously performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including inclement weather; extreme hot or cold temperatures; humidity and moisture; dry environments; possible bodily injury from hazards including biological, chemical, sharp objects/tools, heavy machinery, traffic; and dry environments. Incumbents will be required to work alone or with others continuously. 

Essential functions are frequently performed with exposure to dirt/mud, fumes, gases, odors, dust, grease, and oil; moving mechanical parts;, extreme noise; wet slippery floors/surfaces. 

Essential functions are occasionally performed with exposure to extreme inside temperatures (heat/cold); risk of bodily injury from electrical or radiation hazards; falling from high places/high heights; constrict spaces; hot devices including burners or flame torches; and vibration.

Incumbents must operate vehicles, work around equipment and machinery and be able to walk on uneven ground.