Parole Officer

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. You'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package, and a commitment to work-life balance while making a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers.

About the Indiana Department of Correction Division of Parole Services

The Division of Parole Services was established within the Indiana Department of Correction in the 1960s, severing its relationship with the State Welfare Department. Parole Services enhances public safety by providing community-based supervision and services for adult offenders through evidence-based practices as they transition from correctional facilities to community supervision. The division operates out of ten district offices located across the state.

Responsibilities

• Complete an initial Risk Assessment and a Re-entry Accountability Plan on each offender. Subsequent Re-entry Accountability Plans are required by policy.
• Maintain and provide accurate electronic and written records concerning all aspects of the supervision of assigned parolees, on a regular and ad hoc basis.
• Communicate with parolees and complete subsequent case notes as required, and as dictated by the risk assessment at a work site, home, office, or other location.
• Monitor a parolee’s movement, housing, employment, and other services, including for registered sex offenders.
• Provide counseling services to offenders transitioning back into the community, including direction and assistance in securing employment, schooling, training, and/or housing.
• Promote and develop community resources for offender programs and treatment and maintain records of community resources.
• Conduct community-based investigations for clemency and parole, including parole violations, per Departmental and State laws and procedures. This may include apprehension of offenders who have violated the conditions of parole.
• Serve as an expert witness/subject matter expert in various legal proceedings and hearings.
• Hold probable cause hearings, administer drug/alcohol screenings to offenders, and promote and develop community resources.
• Respond to emergency contacts on a 24-hour/7-days-per-week basis.
• Transport or assist in the transportation of offenders to departmental facilities.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Must test negative on all drug screenings.
• Upon hire, must qualify for and maintain firearm certification as well as carry a firearm in the performance of duties. This includes successful completion of Parole Academy as part of initial onboarding.
• Broad knowledge of the laws, rules, departmental policy, and procedures concerning the supervision of paroled offenders.
• Working knowledge of community-based resources (education, employment, counseling, rehabilitation, etc.) to aid in the parolee's transition.
• Extensive problem-solving abilities as it relates to case management.
• Ability to accurately assess an offender’s risk level, as well as report signs of illness and inappropriate behavior.
• Ability to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation into a parolee's activities, including community investigation.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with parolees, their families, employers, program providers, local law enforcement, judges, and other local officials for effective parolee reintegration.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to apply them as needed.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 2 years of full-time professional experience in criminal justice, correctional counseling, criminology, parole/probation work, law enforcement, social work, or a related area may be considered. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may vary based on education and work experience. Use the state’s Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies, including:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.