Assistant Probation Officer - JSC Facility

Location: Hastings, MN
Full-time position within Dakota County Community Corrections.

About the role

The facility-based Assistant Probation Officer works within the Dakota County Juvenile Services Center’s 24-hour secured juvenile detention facility. This role is responsible for providing direct supervision to clients to ensure a safe environment, meet case-plan goals, prepare progress notes and incident reports, and work as part of a treatment team.

This position may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Day and evening staff work a 4-day on, 2-day off rotation. Overnight staff work a 6-day on, 3-day off rotation.

Responsibilities

• Provide and manage direct services to clients as a group (max of 8 per Assistant Probation Officer).
• Monitor residents’ compliance with facility rules.
• Assist youth in completing their case plan goals during the day.
• Facilitate client programming throughout the day/evening including recreation, cognitive groups, meals, and schooling.
• Utilize Evidence-Based Practices of cognitive-behavioral groups including Skillstreaming, Truthought, Carey Guides, and Decision Points.
• Employ Motivational Interviewing to de-escalate clients in crisis in a safe manner.
• Complete daily client notes and monthly reports.
• Complete on-time well-being checks using an electronic device.
• Respond in a timely and respectful manner to residents/guardians, victims, and Dakota County services’ questions and concerns.
• Maintain the safety and security of the Juvenile Services Center (JSC), including monitoring and observing clients, providing effective interventions, and using safety equipment and trained control tactic restraints with appropriate use of force.
• Staff the Control Center, including monitoring all program activities in the JSC, communicating emergencies effectively, controlling movement of all persons in the JSC secure facility, monitoring alarm systems, answering incoming phone calls, and controlling facility keys.
• Prepare clients for court and assist in the intake process.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Associate's degree or equivalent of two years post-secondary education in Corrections, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related Human Services field AND one year of experience in Corrections, Human Services Treatment Programs, or related experience.
• OR three years of experience in Corrections, Human Services Treatment Programs, or related experience.
• OR a combination of education and experience to equal three or more years.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• First Aid/CPR certificate within 6 months of hire (training is provided).
• Successful completion of a background check and meeting criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Corrections, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related Human Services field.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of general and specific safety and security issues of detainment, including appropriate use of force.
• Knowledge of individual and group social behavior.
• Ability to perform basic safety and security skills.
• Knowledge of DHS rules/Correctional Reporting Statutes and data privacy practices.
• Understanding of ethnic diversities and victims' rights (e.g., MN Reparations Board).
• Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices in probation, including assessment, case planning, and cognitive interventions.
• Knowledge of effective client treatment and change.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate empathy, fairness, and a non-confrontational approach while setting and maintaining client limits.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member within department policies and procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Investigative and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with clients, coworkers, law enforcement officials, judges, and treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate complex computer systems such as CJIIN, CSTS, MNCIS, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to advise people in crisis situations and make appropriate decisions leading to crisis resolution.
• Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Knowledge of Integrated Services Delivery and the ability to assess a person's social, economic, educational, mental health, and physical health needs and make necessary referrals.
• Ability to utilize motivational interviewing, group facilitation, and victim empathy skills.

Work Environment

• Work is performed within the juvenile detention center.
• Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis and 10 pounds on a frequent basis; some positions may require lifting up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and 20 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Exposure to hazardous materials such as chemicals, blood, and other body fluids; exposure to intense noise may occur.
• Equipment used may include computers, scanners, printers, calculators, telephones, BCA, restraint chairs, handcuffs, EHM and GPS equipment, UA collection materials, CSTS, MNCIS, cameras, and copy machines.
• This position is designated as Safety Sensitive.

Pay

Hiring range: $58,606 - $65,932 annually
Full salary range: $58,606 - $91,571 annually (106 Salary Grade)