Probation Agent

Location: Courthouse, 121 West Junius Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a full-time Probation Agent position. The purpose of the Probation Agent position is to supervise adult and juvenile clients at home, work, school, and in the community. Probation Agents are responsible for coordinating multiple services, enforcing court orders, completing investigations, and protecting the communities they serve.

Responsibilities

• Supervise adult and juvenile clients according to department policy to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions. Supervision tasks include:
  • Completing validated risk and needs assessments
  • Implementing effective intervention strategies
  • Attending weekly office meetings
  • Conducting residential field visits, school visits, placement visits, and employment visits throughout the week
• Manage intense situations and respond to the needs of clients by addressing each issue, concern, and/or violation based on the risk/needs of each individual client.
• Complete professional reports for the Court, such as pre-sentence investigations, pre-dispositional investigations, bail evaluations, and violation reports.
• Make recommendations to the Court responsive to the risk/needs of each individual client.
• Perform court-related and administrative hearing activities; testify before the Court as necessary.
• Respond to collateral and emergency contacts, including law enforcement, victims, schools, placements, clients, and client family members.
• Attend all requested meetings and maintain accurate chronological case notes.
• Exercise police powers through the approved issuance and execution of apprehension and detention orders when necessary.
• Obtain drug tests from clients as necessary and understand over-the-counter and prescription drug medications and their impact on drug test results.
• Complete special assignments per request of the Director.
• Abide by department policies, Otter Tail County policies, applicable Minnesota Department of Corrections policies, and all Minnesota Statutes.
• Remain current with knowledge and changes in the field of corrections; complete 40 hours of training per year (e.g., evidence-based practices, use-of-force, safety and self-defense, first aid/CPR).
• May assist with duties outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Education, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Business, or a Human Services related field with an emphasis in corrections/criminal justice.
• Preferred qualifications (not required):
  • Completed a full-time internship (minimum one semester, 10 weeks, or 400 hours) with the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a Corrections Agent or Corrections Security Caseworker, or with another jurisdiction as a Probation Officer.
  • A minimum of 400 hours (approximately three months) of work or volunteer experience as a Corrections Agent, Corrections Security Caseworker, or Probation Officer.
  • A minimum of two years of experience supervising clients in the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer or Sentencing to Service Crew Leader.
  • A minimum of six months of professional-level experience in case management in a correctional or human service setting.
• Candidates with extensive law enforcement experience and an Associate's degree in a law enforcement-related field may be considered.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Upon employment offer, must pass a background investigation/criminal history check.
• Must have necessary computer technology knowledge to:
  • Complete criminal background checks, CJIS, look up fine/restitution, and other information on MNCIS.
  • Use court services tracking system (CSTS), statewide supervision system (SSS), Minnesota repository of arrest photos (MRAP), Driver Vehicle Service (DVS), web court access system, and CriMNet statewide client system.
• Must be willing to obtain basic knowledge of use-of-force training regarding arresting a client, protecting self, and understanding the continuum of use of force.
• Must obtain certification to carry OC spray.

Schedule

This position is regularly scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with potential for evening and weekend hours.

Pay

There are three levels of Probation Agents, depending on qualifications. The salary range for the three levels is as follows:

• Probation Agent: $29.69 - $44.53 per hour
• Senior Probation Agent: $32.50 - $48.76 per hour
• Career Probation Agent: $34.93 - $52.43 per hour

Benefits

Otter Tail County provides an attractive benefit package for regular full-time employees, including:

• Health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
• Holiday, sick, and vacation leave accrual
• Professional development opportunities

This position is considered safety-sensitive in accordance with Minn. Stat. 181.950, Subd. 13. Employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. All employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident.