Community Supervision Officer

About the Role

Monitors and supervises adult criminal offenders placed on community supervision by the Criminal Courts.

Responsibilities

• Interviews new probationers to assess risks and needs, aid in rehabilitation, and deter criminal behavior.
• Develops supervision plan for each probationer in accordance with assessed risk and needs.
• Makes referrals to treatment centers and other resource agencies, as necessary; assists with securing employment, if needed.
• Supervises and monitors each assigned offender to ensure compliance with rules of probation; conducts office and field contacts according to supervision level; makes telephone contacts as required.
• Maintains current files on all offenders assigned to caseload; documents all relevant case data in chronos in a timely manner.
• Obtains urine samples for drug/alcohol screenings.
• Provides counseling for offenders and relatives as needed; assists with group counseling sessions.
• Compiles data and statistics; prepares reports, case records, and other documents.
• Keeps Courts and District Attorney's Office informed of violations of conditions of probation within the time frame set by Unit and/or Department.
• Testifies in court when required.
• Obtains offense and arrest reports from law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares violation reports; schedules and participates in Administrative Hearings as needed.
• Prepares records for closures; serves on staff committee to process early dismissal requests.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings; attends training sessions, educational seminars, and workshops.
• Fulfills continuing education requirements as set out by Standards for Community Supervision Officers.
• Performs other job-related duties as directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required, no exceptions. Preference given to degrees in behavioral sciences, sociology, criminal justice, or related field approved by TDCJ-CJAD.
• If Bachelor's Degree is not in one of the preferred fields, must have either:
  • One year of graduate study in an approved field, or
  • One year of experience in full-time casework, counseling, community, or group work approved by TDCJ-CJAD.
• Must complete coursework and obtain certification as a Community Supervision Officer by the Community Justice Assistance Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Typing and computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact and cooperate with co-workers, probationers and their families, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney's Office, defense attorneys, court personnel, treatment centers, and the general public.
• Counseling and leadership abilities.
• Problem-solving skills.

Work Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled private office environment.
• Field work may subject employee to adverse weather, environmental conditions, physical and safety hazards in high-crime areas, and driving in traffic.
• Regular and predictable attendance required; availability for work from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, with extra hours or late nights (5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) as needed.
• Occasional irregular hours and out-of-town travel to attend educational seminars and training sessions.
• Work requires organizing, prioritizing, accuracy, attention to detail, flexibility, and performing routine, repetitive duties under frequent deadlines in a stressful environment.
• Dealing with criminal offenders and hazards of field work in high-crime areas.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily sedentary; duties require reaching, lifting, and carrying objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Prolonged sitting to work at a computer, walking.
• Occasional to frequent loading, lifting, and carrying of file boxes weighing over 10 lbs.

Equipment Used

• Vehicle
• Personal computer/mainframe computer terminal
• Copy machine
• Other general office equipment as needed

Benefits

• Complete benefits package for full-time employees, including:
  • Health care, dental, and vision
  • Retirement and deferred compensation plans
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave

Schedule

8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, with availability for extra hours or late nights (5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) as needed.