Probation Officer

About the role

The 61st Judicial District Court was established in 1968 and serves the City of Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in the state and the largest in Kent County. It is composed of six elected judges, one appointed attorney magistrate, and a dedicated support staff in the Clerk’s Office and Probation Department. The court team is committed to providing excellent customer service and managing cases effectively and impartially.

Essential Duties

• Carries an assigned caseload of investigations.
• Formulates plans of probation and presents written and oral recommendations.
• Interviews clients, their families, victims, and interested individuals to determine the nature of the offense committed and the client’s employment, financial, and family situation for sentencing recommendations.
• Supervises cases involving probationers placed on probation by the Court.
• Recommends termination or extension of probation.
• Advises clients of available community resources and makes referrals as necessary.
• Cooperates with representatives from various social welfare and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest.
• Makes referrals to organizations such as AA, Al-Anon, or other privately funded programs which can meet their needs.
• Monitors clients in specialized programs dealing with such matters as substance abuse, domestic violence, sex offenses, shoplifting and the like.
• Confirms client’s participation and attendance as part of terms and conditions of probation.
• Performs drug detection, PBT testing, and urinalysis tests.
• Facilitates groups for offenders.
• Appears and gives testimony in court regarding probation violations and similar matters.
• Composes and dictates petitions, correspondence, and case histories as required.
• Maintains client records.
• Maintains program records according to state licensing requirements.
• May work with victims and assailants in domestic assault or mentally ill/developmentally disabled cases.
• Informs victims of their rights.
• Interviews victims and assailants, make referrals to support services, witness management.
• Initiates restraining orders.
• Provides support for victims, provides short-term counseling and/or group work, and makes recommendations to the Court.
• Serves on various agency and community advisory boards and committees.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with undergraduate work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or closely related field.
• --AND-- Two (2) years of experience in working with individuals convicted of felonies or misdemeanors, or with persons with substance abuse problems.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Officers performing substance abuse assessments must be certified by the State of Michigan.
• Officers performing assessments for mentally ill/developmentally disabled must be certified by the State of Michigan as an M.S.W. or equivalent.

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of probation work and of the related court procedures.
• Knowledge of the various statutes and ordinances which govern probation.
• Knowledge of theories of addictions and abuse and methods of treatment.
• Knowledge of community resources which may be used to supplement the probationer's rehabilitation plan.
• Knowledge of professional probation objectives.

Skills

• Analyze and evaluate investigative materials.
• Identify and use available resources and services in connection with the client's rehabilitation plan.
• Recommend and implement effective probation service methods.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Operate a photocopier, facsimile machine, printer, and computer.

Abilities

• Work constructively within an agency and in community settings.
• Work effectively with hostile clients.
• Work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, service providers, other employees, and the public.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an office setting and requires reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Move and lift objects up to 10 pounds and operate office equipment.
• Must be able to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Travel may be required (e.g., Lansing).

How to Apply

To be assured consideration, applicants must apply online and submit the following:

• A cover letter, addressed to Eric F. Cyman, Court Administrator
• A detailed resume
• Three (3) professional references.

The City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

Required Questions

• Has your cover letter been uploaded?
• Has your resume been uploaded?
• If selected for an interview, do you authorize the 61st District Court to contact the references listed in the application?