Adult Probation Officer

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervise a caseload through direct contact with defendants and maintain collateral contacts with agencies and associates who influence the defendant’s life.
• Investigate defendants’ personal backgrounds, prepare reports, appear and testify before the Court.
• Foster an environment which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Utilize Evidence Based and Best Practices in the field of community supervision.
• Obtain all relevant background information on the defendant’s in order to effect positive behavioral change.
• Complete an actuarial risk and needs assessment in order to properly manage risk, identify individual criminogenic needs, and address goals and objectives through the development of a case supervision plan.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing to aid in positive behavioral change. Address antisocial behavior through the use of appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate supervision utilizing a variety of methods including electronic monitoring, office, home, and community visits, drug and alcohol screening, and referrals for treatment; all of which may present inherent risks.
• Maintain accurate case records and review monthly contact summaries for quality assurance.
• Prepare Court reports and documents as needed and in accordance with departmental policy.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the Judiciary.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with government and other agencies that provide services.
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually as required by state standards.
• Undergo and maintain successful: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Obtain JNET certification; maintain recertification.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with Mandated Reporting Regulations through PA Child Protective Services Law.
• Promote victim restoration.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours to include: nights, weekends, holidays, and after hours on-call responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties, tasks, and special projects as required.

Department Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop competencies in Evidence Based and Best Practices including but not limited to: Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Case Planning, Criminogenic Needs, and other practices designed to elicit positive change.
• Undergo training and obtain certifications related to arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals under Court supervision; maintain annual recertification.
• Demonstrate competencies in the Use-of-Force Continuum and self-defense; maintain defensive tactics certification;
• Identify alternatives to incarceration/detention when appropriate.
• Prepare bench warrants, violations petitions, and orders for submission to the Court; provide the Court with appropriate and informed recommendations.
• Facilitate detention/arrest of defendants when necessary.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Must possess problem solving abilities, decision making, and judgement skills to identify problems, weigh solutions, and recognize alternatives and their implications independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Commitment to promoting public safety.
• Mental strength and physical ability to complete all job requirements.
• Fundamental knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health Diagnoses, and Substance Use Disorder.
• Professionalism and a commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
• Regular travel throughout Montgomery County and occasionally to other destinations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Undergo thorough pre-employment background investigation including satisfactory physical examination and drug screen.