Probation Officer

• New Hires Starting Rate -$29.65 per hour
• 35 Hours Per Week

ON SUMMARY:

This position enforces the orders of the Berks County Courts, performing a variety of tasks in order to supervise offenders on probation, parole, probation with restrictive conditions, or participating in the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program. Probation officers are required to properly identify an offender’s risk level using an actuarial risk assessment tool, and, in turn, identify the offender's needs and match programming that will provide the competencies necessary to develop long-term behavior change.  Additionally, this position ensures that offenders are held accountable for their behaviors while attending to the protection and safety of the community in which they live. 

Probation/Parole officers hired after July 1, 2005, are required to obtain certification to carry a firearm through the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm and Training Commission within eighteen months from the date of hire or face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.  Candidates for the position shall undergo a psychological evaluation to determine fitness to carry a firearm prior to a formal job offer being made. 

Probation/Parole officer compensation is based upon years of service and job performance.  PO IS typically the entry-level pay grade.  PO II may be achieved after three years of service, PO III after eight years of service, and PO IV after twelve years.  All promotions require satisfactory performance ratings as outlined in the Probation Officer Performance Evaluation.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Supervise offenders through a variety of contacts including office, home, field, employment, etc.  Maintain collateral contacts with family, employers, victims, or pertinent others regarding the offender.  Contacts generally made during regular office and non-traditional hours.
• Document all case-related contacts and generate reports, when necessary, in a timely fashion.  Complete all other necessary paperwork as required and maintain progress reports on offenders.
• Accurately assesses risk and needs and develop case plans that address needs while providing supervision at a level commensurate with risk.
• Refer offenders to treatment agencies as needed, become familiar with and maintain professional relationships with other agencies.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to assist those under supervision to explore and resolve ambivalence and to increase motivation for change.
• Utilize cognitive-behavioral group and individual interventions such as role plays and modeling to change behavior and build skills.
• Reward positive behavior as appropriate and address negative behavior through graduated responses.
• Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to provide services to those under supervision and their families.
• Hold offenders accountable by monitoring drug testing results, participation with treatment, community service, compliance with electronic monitoring, and any other court-ordered obligations. Issue warrants and assist with arrests of those in violation of the Court’s order.
• Represent the department in Court by presenting information and formally testifying when necessary.
• Participate in the apprehension and transportation of offenders not complying with the terms of their supervision, if trained to do so.
• Meet County Adult Probation & Parole Advisory Committee standards of 40 hours of training annually and assist in the development of new officers through mentoring.
• Provide intake services for newly sentenced offenders. Complete pre-sentencing reports as ordered by the Courts and calculate and submit sentencing guidelines as required by statute.
• Conduct thorough and appropriate parole plans based on an offender’s risks and needs.
• Represent the probation office in the community through public speaking engagements.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 18 credits in behavioral or social science.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license, provide proof of auto insurance, and access to a vehicle for employment purposes. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of investigation, supervision, and reporting in probation/parole work.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written expressions in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior pertains to criminal behavior, social dynamics, relationships, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol issues.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when acting in the best interest of the community and the offender.
• Skill in the operation of computer software applications is preferred.
• Ability to converse in Spanish is not essential for all probation officers, but preferred for those designated as having a Spanish-speaking caseload.
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours.
• Ability to complete Control Tactics and TASER training and assist, when necessary, in the physical control of subjects that may be uncooperative, resistant, and/or combative. 
• Ability to complete firearms training and achieve and maintain certification to carry a firearm.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.

Physical ability to assist, when necessary, in the physical control of subjects that may be uncooperative, resistant, and/or combative. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Normal office environment as well as meeting with offenders regularly in their homes and in the community during both traditional and non-traditional hours.
• Work environment is stressful at times, given the hectic workload and nature of the clientele.
• Some work may be performed in targeted high-crime areas, and as a result, the environment could be dangerous. Risk factors include exposure to HIV, Hepatitis, and TB. Additionally, probation/parole officers face the threat of exposure to guns, knives, contaminated needles, and other weapons.
• Travel on a regular basis throughout Berks County, providing supervision and occasionally outside of the County for training and institutional visits.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position, and may be changed where appropriate.