Probation Officer (Criminal Division)

The applicant pool from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies if another position becomes available within five months of this recruitment’s closing date.

About the role

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8,500-member team that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in the lives of the public we serve. The Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day, addressing issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court.

The Mercer Vicinage is seeking highly motivated, detail-oriented candidates with excellent interpersonal, communication, customer service, and technical skills for Probation Officer positions in the Criminal Division. We are looking for self-starters interested in making a difference to perform duties including:

• Interview defendants and victims of crime to prepare pre-sentence and pre-trial investigation reports
• Investigate defendants by checking criminal history records and contacting other agencies such as probation departments and courts
• Contact other agencies such as banks, insurance companies, credit card companies and hospitals for restitution information
• Contact drug treatment facilities regarding probationers' progress and child support agencies regarding custodial issues
• Supervise adults or juveniles placed on probation
• Monitor and enforce court orders and conditions of probation
• Identify service needs and required interventions
• Conduct field work including home and jail visitations

Responsibilities

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Monitoring case flow
• Interviewing clients/customers
• Analyzing case histories
• Monitoring and enforcing conditions of court orders
• Identifying clients'/customers' case management needs
• Coordinating services for clients/customers
• Reviewing documents submitted to the court for compliance with court rules and approved practices
• Scheduling case management conferences and case proceedings
• Ensuring the timely disposition and entry of all orders and subsequent proceedings
• Conducting investigations and writing reports
• Making recommendations to the court
• Preparing cases for hearings
• Assembling case files, documents, exhibits for hearings, trials, or board meetings
• Establishing working relationships with divisions, vicinages, or other outside organizations
• Advising judges and management on case issues
• Performing related duties as required

Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any area, which includes or is supplemented by 24 credit hours in the behavioral or social sciences. Applicants who are approaching their anticipated graduation date may apply. If selected, the applicant must complete their degree no later than their start date. Applicants are required to submit a photocopy of their transcript at the time of application. If selected, an official college or university transcript is required prior to start date.

Degrees conferred outside of the United States must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service (NACES members).

Note: Key entry-level professional positions will be filled as they become available in the Criminal, Family and Probation Divisions. Selected candidates may be assigned to any of these divisions.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Technical proficiency
• Detail-oriented and highly motivated

Pay

The salary range for this position is $55,943.00 to $95,153.11 for Schedule A, and $55,943.00 to $91,346.99 for Schedule B.

• For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range.
• For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater.

Judiciary employees hired prior to October 31, 2015, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after October 31, 2015, are considered Schedule B.

Schedule

The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high-speed home internet access.

Supplemental Information

• Driver's License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
• Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
• Background Check: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.
• Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.
• Veterans Status: Veterans should indicate this information in their cover letter and/or resume. For information on Veteran's Preference, visit the NJ Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs website.