District Court Probation Officer

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the District Court Judge and Magistrate/Court Administrator, conducts investigations, prepares reports, performs pre-trial assessments, prepares documentation, and makes recommendations regarding probationers failing to comply with their probation to assist the Judge in sentencing. Reviews, develops and implements treatment programs for individuals placed on probation in an effort to rehabilitate them and prevent future violations. Supervises and counsels probationers and ensures that all conditions of probation are met.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Requirements include the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or related field and one year of work experience in the criminal justice system.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Must have or be able to obtain Certified Addictions Credential and Duluth Model of Domestic Violence certification.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of State of Michigan District Court system and managing probationers.
• Knowledge of the probation justice system programs and practices, counseling and working with probationers and families, managing probation cases and petition files, creating and implementing treatments plans for probationers, creating and filing legal documents, and applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Skill in counseling probationers to enhance and develop a better general well-being and avoid criminal acts/behaviors in the future.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in maintaining documents in an electronic and non-electronic format.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for victims, witnesses, and families, including the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, the courts and elected officials, probationers and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and court-related and public safety software, and the ability to master new technologies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

1. Supervises and monitors the activities of, and counsels offenders placed on probation or bond.

2. Conducts pre-sentence investigations by interviewing the offender, family, victims, employers, associates, educators, and clergy. Prepares a social history, conducts substance abuse or domestic violence screenings and evaluates offender's personality in order to make recommendations for sentencing disposition and treatment plans when deemed necessary by the Court.

3. Interviews offenders and their families, law enforcement agencies, employers, social agencies, and others, and identifies personal and social problems they might encounter.

4. Acquaints offenders with department rules and regulations, conditions attached to probation or community-based programs and the availability of counseling and other services.

5. Maintains case records, prepares reports, and conducts correspondence related to assignments.

6. Visits offender's homes, police, social agencies, places of employment, neighbors, and associates to observe and evaluate their adjustment and conformance with rules and regulations.

7. Appears in court for sentencings, probation violation, and other hearings, and provides information, assistance, and recommendations to the Judge. May be subject to cross examination.

8. Monitors offender's compliance in paying court-ordered fines and costs and orders Show Cause for non-compliance.

9. Meets with offenders on weekly or monthly basis to verify work, address, treatment attendance, payment of fines and costs, no contact with law enforcement, compliance with all conditions of probation, and to assure that offender is in compliance with any Personal Protection Order.

10. Refers probationers to specific community programs designed to assist those with drug, alcohol, emotional, or other problems, and maintains regular contact with such agencies to discuss the progress of the probationer.

11. Oversees Sobriety Court when Case Manager is absent.

12. Supervises offenders that violate Personal Protection Orders.

13. Supervises offenders that are pretrial.

14. Prepares progress reports on probationers as requested and prepares recommendations for probation termination, probation violation reports, extension of probation, and other related reports.

15. Reviews case files for compliance and prepares recommendations for termination of probation.

16. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.

17. Performs other duties as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the field. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile both in an office setting and in the field with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 20 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The typical work environment of this job is a business office or courtroom setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate. When in the field, the employee may be subject to unhealthy and unsanitary environments.

Pay: $48,613.50 - $50,071.91 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,614 - $50,072