Probation/Parole Officer I (Adult Probation Department)

About the role

This position enforces the orders of the Berks County Courts, supervising offenders on probation, parole, probation with restrictive conditions, or participating in the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program. Officers use actuarial risk assessment tools to identify offender risk and needs, develop case plans, and match programming to promote long‑term behavior change while ensuring community safety. Probation/Parole officers hired after July 1, 2005 must obtain firearm certification within 18 months of hire or face disciplinary action, up to termination. Candidates undergo a psychological evaluation for firearm fitness before a formal job offer. Compensation is based on years of service and performance, with progression from PO I (entry‑level) to PO II after three years, PO III after eight, and PO IV after twelve, contingent on satisfactory performance ratings.

Responsibilities

• Supervise offenders through office, home, field, employment, and other contacts.
• Maintain collateral contacts with family, employers, victims, or other pertinent parties.
• Document all case‑related contacts and generate reports as needed.
• Complete required paperwork and maintain progress reports on offenders.
• Accurately assess risk and needs and develop case plans that address needs while providing supervision commensurate with risk.
• Refer offenders to treatment agencies and maintain professional relationships with other agencies.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to explore ambivalence and increase motivation for change.
• Apply cognitive‑behavioral group and individual interventions (role plays, modeling) to change behavior and build skills.
• Reward positive behavior and address negative behavior through graduated responses.
• Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to supervisees and their families.
• Hold offenders accountable by monitoring drug testing, treatment participation, community service, electronic monitoring compliance, and other court‑ordered obligations.
• Issue warrants and assist with arrests of those violating court orders.
• Represent the department in court by presenting information and testifying when necessary.
• Participate in apprehension and transportation of non‑compliant offenders if trained.
• Meet County Adult Probation & Parole Advisory Committee standards of 40 hours of training annually and assist in mentoring new officers.
• Provide intake services for newly sentenced offenders.
• Complete pre‑sentencing reports as ordered by the courts and calculate/submit sentencing guidelines per statute.
• Conduct thorough parole plans based on offender risks and needs.
• Represent the probation office in the community through public speaking engagements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D. from a recognized issuing agency.
• Bachelor's degree with at least 18 credits in behavioral or social science (or equivalent combination of experience and training).
• Valid state‑issued driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and access to a vehicle for employment.
• Ability to obtain firearm certification within 18 months of hire (psychological evaluation required prior to job offer).
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours.
• Ability to complete Control Tactics and TASER training and assist in physical control of uncooperative subjects.
• Ability to handle stress and maintain physical presence in the office.

Skills

• Working knowledge of investigation, supervision, and reporting principles in probation/parole work.
• Familiarity with evidence‑based practices and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior related to criminal behavior, social dynamics, mental health, and substance abuse.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in the best interest of the community and offender.
• Skill in operating computer software applications (preferred).
• Ability to converse in Spanish (preferred for Spanish‑speaking caseloads).

Pay

$29.65 per hour

Schedule

35 hours per week