CSCD Probation Officer I

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews with clients, investigates and examines information related to client's case, and prepares a report to facilitate the sentencing process.
• Conducts initial and subsequent interviews with clients, explaining conditions of community supervision as set forth by the courts.
• Develops supervision plans for clients and completes all required documents on newly probated clients.
• Interprets conditions of community supervision, monitors for compliance with conditions, and takes appropriate action for non-compliance.
• Maintains ongoing accurate level of supervision on all offenders.
• Makes regular client interviews to monitor progress and take appropriate action for non-compliance.
• Performs field visits to client's home and other relevant locations.
• Uses motivational interviewing techniques to assist in addressing criminogenic needs and facilitating change in behavior.
• Documents all contacts with clients and all pertinent facts and events occurring in client's life, including issues of compliance and non-compliance.
• Assists clients with various referrals, including counseling, treatment, and job referrals.
• Ensures all money owed by client, as set forth in the conditions of community supervision, is collected and properly recorded.
• Prepares legal documents and other reports for judges, attorneys, and the court system, as required.
• Conducts urinalysis on clients, as required, for purposes of substance abuse monitoring.
• May administer other substance abuse screening and assessment tools.
• Provides testimony in court, as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a directly related field.
• Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system; federal, state, local and county applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable community supervision services standards and procedures; standard practices in area of assignment; evidence-based practices; psychological concepts related to behavior change, criminal thinking and mental health; ethical behavior in the workplace; basic office etiquette; casework techniques; computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages; business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation; problem-solving and decision-making; interviewing clients; ability to conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially; work efficiently both independently and as part of a team; reason and make judgments and decisions; effectively communicate in writing and verbally; work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances; deal effectively with clients with mental disorders and clients who are engaging in aggressive or hostile behavior; manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities; perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner; research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges and the general public.