Parole Officer 20025688

Work Location: 2114 Robinson Avenue, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 | Contact: gina.seel@drc.ohio.gov | Classified, Union 1199, Primary Skill: Criminology/Criminal Justice

About the role

Guided by the agency's mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction seeks a dedicated, security-minded professional to serve as a Parole Officer in the Division of Parole and Community Services, Scioto County. The role involves front-line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment, programming, and effective community supervision in a safe, secure, and humane correctional environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee offenders under general supervision; interview, visit, and observe offenders at residences, work sites, and other community locations
• Utilize evidence-based supervision practices to facilitate behavioral change
• Obtain certification in Ohio Risk Assessment System; complete offender risk assessments as directed
• Interview offenders and review documents, records, and reports to develop case plans addressing identified risk factors
• Maintain and review case plans with offenders throughout supervision to gauge progress toward goals
• Provide individual and group advice through listening, speaking, and written instructions
• Conduct visual and auditory surveillance, including operation of electronic monitoring equipment
• Perform drug testing: collect and transport specimens or use drug kit procedures; maintain written chain of evidence from collection through testing and hearing
• Conduct DNA testing as prescribed by statute
• Find employment and vocational opportunities for offenders via referrals to community service agencies
• Maintain contact with offender families, friends, employers, and others through interviews, observation, and document review
• Develop sound caseload management: analyze caseload and make community referrals to adjust offender activity
• Oversee caseloads requiring special training for substance abusers, drug offenders, sex offenders, special releasees, and special needs offenders
• Conduct and complete placement, arrest, and violation investigations; interview individuals and interpret medical, psychological, law enforcement, and legal documents
• Complete investigation reports via personal computer, writing, or dictation for use by judges, parole administrators, or parole board members in sentencing and revocation
• Update and use records through Field Officer Tools (FOT) to record offender case activity and officer activity
• Travel to offender homes, workplaces, jails, and courts using personal or state vehicle
• Prepare information and initiate packets for Parole Board Hearings
• Screen inmates for transitional control program eligibility and make transfer recommendations
• Respond in writing to inmate inquiries (kites)
• Conduct clemency and other investigations; complete reports for parole board decisions and recommendations
• Facilitate special hearings (clemency, full board) as needed
• Complete and deliver written arrest, hold, and release orders
• Secure and deliver search warrants and subpoenas to jails, law enforcement, correctional, and court agencies
• Pursue declared violators-at-large; arrest violators; conduct search and seizure of contraband using physical force, unarmed self-defense, restraining devices (handcuffs, belly chains, leg irons), and OC spray/pepper gas as needed
• Develop and present cases at revocation hearings; collect evidence; organize documents; examine and cross-examine witnesses; testify as required
• Operate personal or state vehicle to transport witnesses, violators, or other releases
• Provide work direction and train staff: conduct orientation, on-the-job training, and in-service training
• Complete lesson plans and document training activities via personal computer, writing, or dictation
• Oversee outpost office of two to three less experienced staff as required
• Complete background investigations on prospective employees
• Develop working relations with community agencies, citizen groups, and criminal justice agencies to secure resources for clients
• Write or dictate speeches and presentations for authorized speaking engagements
• Participate on community councils and committees
• Function as inter-agency coordinator with halfway houses and prevention programs
• Act as liaison with state hospitals to ensure appropriate service levels for clients
• Present pre-release programs at penal institutions from written guides or lesson plans
• Travel to and participate in staff meetings, conferences, and training sessions
• Conduct self professionally and lawfully at all times per ODRC Standards of Employee Conduct

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution
• Two years of experience in criminal justice, corrections, law enforcement, social services, or a related field

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance premiums after eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Pay

$27.48 per hour

Schedule

Permanent, Full Time, 1st Shift

Additional Information

• Pre-employment drug testing required: urinalysis for illegal drug use; positive test disqualifies applicant. Position subject to Federal ATF regulations prohibiting firearm/ammunition possession by anyone consuming marijuana, including medical marijuana; medical marijuana is not a valid explanation for a positive test.
• Pre-employment background investigation required: criminal background check with individual assessment of prior convictions before exclusion.
• Hiring prohibitions: individuals under federal or state weapons disability if position requires firearms certification; individuals who engaged in sexual abuse in confinement facilities or were adjudicated/convicted of sexual activity facilitated by force or without consent; individuals convicted of soliciting/providing support for terrorism or money laundering for terrorism; individuals convicted of or pleading guilty to a felony with direct correlation to position duties (e.g., fraud, deceit, theft for positions with substantial management/control over state agency property).
• Workplace is tobacco-free.