Probation Officer Trainee

Job Description

Position Summary

This is beginning level professional work counseling juvenile probationers in activities related to legal conditions of probation or parole.

Employees in this class participate in various phases of probation work under the close supervision of a higher-level probation officer.  At this level the employee receives increased responsibility and a progressively expanding caseload as their training and experience increases. 

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Confers with probationer, legal representatives, family, and other concerned persons and reviews documents regarding probationer's legal and social history as a means of conducting prehearing or presentencing investigations and to formulate rehabilitation plan.
• Compiles reports, testifies in court, and makes recommendations concerning conditional release or institutionalization of probationer.
• Informs probationer or guardian of legal requirements of conditional release such as visits to office, restitution payments, or educational and employment stipulations.
• Reviews documents relevant to the probationer's legal and social history as a means of conducting pre-hearing and/or presentence investigations.
• Formulates rehabilitation plans for the approval of superiors.
• Gradually acquires and manages a caseload of clients under the guidance of a supervising probation officer.
• Counsels’ probationer and family or guardian.  Encourages probationer to complete education, secure employment.
• Arranges custodial care and refers probationer to social resources in community to aid in rehabilitation.
• Evaluates probationer's progress on follow-up basis including visits to home, school, and place of employment.
• Secures remedial action by court if necessary.
• Prepares progress reports.
• Participates in required training programs, reads manuals, texts, and other pertinent material to develop required skills level.
• Performs a variety of field and office tasks under the supervision of a higher-level probation officer.
• Meets with probationers on a periodic basis to assess progress; prepares progress reports.
• Arranges for placement or clinical services if ordered by court.
• Works with probationers according to treatment plan.
• Refers caseload problems to supervisor for discussion and resolution.
• Reads textbooks, manuals, regulations, and other pertinent material in order to develop the knowledge required.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Acts as a duty officer.

Conducts office interviews with clients of other officers.

Answers phones and takes messages.

Aids probationers in filling out forms.

Schedules appointments with probationers.

Performs related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Standard courtroom conditions.

Direct contact with diverse court clientele.

Exposure to outside weather conditions and driving hazards.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Some knowledge of social and behavioral sciences with emphasis on behavior deviations and delinquent or criminal behavior.
• Some knowledge of community, social, and economic resources and conditions, and their relationship to crime and delinquency.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public agencies, institutional personnel, and the general public.
• Ability to work with disturbed and/or maladjusted individuals.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the First Judicial District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

In order to apply and be considered for this position, please visit https://fjdcareers.phila.gov/Cyberweb/ to complete an application and upload a resume.

Qualifications

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.                                         
2. Must successfully complete a panel interview, drug screening and background investigation.
3. Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or satisfactory transfer from other states, prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.
4. Available to work various shift assignments on weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
5. Ability to perform essential functions of the position.
6. Covid-19 vaccination recommended.
7. Must work on site (not remote).