What are the responsibilities and job description for the Probation Officer-Adult Probation position at Westmoreland County?
The purpose of this position is to supervise offenders, enforce court orders, provide counseling and other services as required, and to conduct investigations and prepare reports for the Court.
About UsA career with Westmoreland County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while serving one of Pennsylvania's most vibrant and growing communities.
County employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, a competitive retirement plan, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We are committed to supporting our workforce through programs and resources that promote both personal and professional success.
Westmoreland County fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment where dedication, integrity, innovation, and public service are valued and recognized. With diverse career opportunities across numerous departments and unions, employees can build rewarding careers while contributing to the health, safety, and well-being of our community.
Join a team that is committed to excellence in public service and dedicated to making a positive difference every day. Westmoreland County is proud to attract and retain talented professionals who are passionate about serving others and helping shape the future of our region.
Follow the link below to learn more about all that Westmoreland County has to offer:
https://www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/2377/You-Belong-Here
Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Responsible for the independent completion of difficult supervision or counseling cases or investigations requiring the use of appropriate judgment; determines if offenders are in violation of court ordered conditions or regulations.
Provides various community services; enforces court orders; collects data on offenders from personal contact and collateral sources; supervises cases; documents and monitors cases as required; initiates violation procedures; makes court appearances as required.
Provides various offender services; provides various rehabilitative services to offenders; provides field and office advice and consultation; evaluates and analyzes cases; contacts other service providers and makes referrals as appropriate; initiates release, dismissal and expungement procedures.
Provides various court services; prepares pre-sentence and pre-parole reports; interviews offenders and others; verifies information as required; makes court appearances as required; maintains records. Carries out special assignments for the court.
Computes sentencing guidelines as required. Completes sentencing guideline forms and submits information to the Commission on Sentencing.
Reviews conditions of supervision with each individual on supervision.
Conducts drug testing.
Attends adjunct programs and seminars provided by out-of-office staff; attends in-house training programs provided by administrators.
Maintains an automobile for job related use.
All Probation Officers are required to complete 40 hours of training annually.
QualificationsMinimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Additionally, at least one year of experience in probation and parole, social work or another related field is preferred. Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
First year Requirements
Completion of the Basic Probation and Parole Training Academy.
Completion of the five-day Defensive Tactics training. Must obtain certification.
Exhibits proficiency in the following areas:
Written and verbal communication skills
Courtroom performance
Documentation and paperwork completion
Knowledge of the criminal justice system
Demonstrates an ability to provide effective and quality supervision to individuals under the direction of the court.
Demonstrates daily time management skills
Proves to be reliable, has minimal tardiness and does not abuse sick time.
Note: The Adult Probation Office Training Supervisor will complete a written
evaluation at the end of six months. The Training Supervisor will document
any issues or areas needing improvement. The Training Supervisor and/or
other assigned Supervisor will follow up every month thereafter until the and
of the one-year period. The Probation Officer will be evaluated annually after
that time.
Failure to meet all of the above listed requirements within the first year of
employment as a Probation Officer I may result in termination of employment
Physical Requirements
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including a personal computer, calculator, photocopier, fax machine, smart phones, videoconferencing equipment and other technology that enhances overall office operations.
Must maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
Must be able to complete defense tactics training with a passing score on all written and practical tests. The only exception is an employee with a medical condition that prohibits them from attending the training or portions of the training.
May be required to complete training and qualify to carry a firearm.
Physical examination and/or medical screening required prior to job assignment.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate decimals and percents.
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including diagnostic records, financial reports, criminal, educational, employment, military, medical laboratory, and other records, tax statements, court documents and transcripts, criminal dockets, letters and other correspondence, sentencing guidelines manual, criminal and other legal codes, probation and parole case law, policy and procedure manuals, etc.
Ability to communicate effectively with Judges, Assistant District Attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders, Probation/Parole Officers, Probation/Parole Support Staff, Police and other law enforcement agencies, Corrections Staff, Offenders, county offices, the public and others both verbally and in writing.
Ability to prepare a variety of documents including court documents, progress and activity reports, request and supervision forms, expense vouchers, court orders, pre-parole reports, Presentence Investigation reports, violation petitions, case field sheets and notes, risk and needs assessments, arrest reports, etc. using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
Ability to use and interpret legal terminology.
Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing and to prepare thorough, but clear and concise reports.
Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of investigation, supervision and reporting in probation and parole work.
Knowledge of the modern principles of criminology and penology.
Knowledge of individual and group behavior, with special emphasis on behavior deviations of persons who have been involved in delinquent or criminal activities.
Knowledge of community, social, and economic resources, with emphasis on factors relating to crime and delinquency.
Knowledge of casework principles and practices.
Some knowledge of the principles and methods of administration and supervision.
Ability to work effectively with offenders placed on supervision in an authoritative setting.
Contact UsIf you need assistance, please contact us at jobs@westmorelandcountypa.gov
Westmoreland County maintains a policy where qualified applicants are hired on the basis of fitness and merit without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information, or veteran status.