Supervisor - Adult Probation

About the Role

The Supervisor is a highly skilled probation officer who oversees five to nine professional staff. The role requires advanced knowledge of administration and supervision, training and developing new probation officers, and supporting the Administration in implementing Evidence Based Practices and departmental policy. The Supervisor is committed to alternatives to incarceration, public safety, and directs daily functions, caseload monitoring, work products, and programs. In the absence of an Administrator, the Supervisor directs departmental operations and facilitates office management. This is a grant‑funded position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coach and develop officers in the performance of their duties to ensure community supervision aligns with departmental policy.
• Responsible for training, professional development, and discipline of staff.
• Foster an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Implement departmental procedures.
• Implement Evidence Based Practices to ensure effective community supervision while maintaining fidelity and quality assurance.
• Conduct performance evaluations in accordance with departmental policy.
• Develop performance improvement plans; conduct periodic reviews; prepare written summaries and make recommendations to Administration.
• Assess and assign defendants for appropriate programming and monitor supervision contacts.
• Conduct caseload and work‑product audits, gather statistics, and analyze reports to ensure investigations, court responsibilities, and reporting requirements are met.
• Conduct individual and unit meetings to assist officers in making sound case‑management decisions.
• Mediate conflict and strive to facilitate positive outcomes.
• Participate in the departmental hiring process and recommend promotion actions.
• Direct departmental operations and facilitate office management in the absence of an Administrator.
• Identify needs of the department, officers, and individuals on supervision/monitoring.
• Monitor attendance and approve leave requests.
• Ensure adequate coverage is provided in the absence of staff.
• Perform officer responsibilities or other duties, tasks, and special projects when needed.
• Establish and maintain professional partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders and community organizations.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the Judiciary.
• Ensure compliance with Inter‑County transfer process and Interstate Compact rules, procedures, and regulations.
• May be required to work non‑traditional hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on‑call responsibilities.
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually as required by state standards.
• Maintain FBI Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Obtain JNET certification and maintain recertification.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with Mandated Reporting Regulations through PA Child Protective Services Law.

Department‑Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Educate officers in Evidence Based and Best Practices, including Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), case planning, criminogenic needs, and other practices designed to elicit positive change.
• Undergo training and obtain certifications related to arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals under court supervision; maintain annual recertification.
• Demonstrate competencies in the Use‑of‑Force Continuum and self‑defense; maintain defensive tactics certification.
• Identify alternatives to incarceration/detention when appropriate.
• Utilize various Quality Assurance practices to track individual and departmental progress.
• Review and approve bench warrants, violations petitions, and orders for submission to the Court; provide informed recommendations.
• Facilitate supervision using electronic monitoring, office, home, and community visits, drug and alcohol screening, and referrals for treatment, acknowledging inherent risks.
• Facilitate detention/arrest of defendants when necessary.
• Develop and maintain a SharePoint site.
• Respond to after‑hour inquiries as needed.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field and three years of experience as a Probation Officer, or one year of experience as an Assistant Supervisor or Probation Officer II.
• Proficient problem‑solving, decision‑making, and judgment skills to identify problems, weigh solutions, and recognize alternatives and their implications independently.
• Proficient knowledge of department policy and procedures.
• Management, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Commitment to promoting public safety.
• Mental strength and physical ability to complete all job requirements.
• Fundamental belief that individuals can change their behavior.
• Strong knowledge of the criminal justice system, mental health diagnoses, and substance‑use disorder.
• Strong knowledge of treatment programs and government agencies.
• Professionalism and a commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
• Proficiency with all applicable databases.
• Regular travel throughout Montgomery County and occasional travel to other destinations within Pennsylvania.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background investigation, physical examination, and drug screen.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment