Probation Officer

Allen County Indiana • Fort Wayne, IN

3d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Officer assures proper probation enforcement for individual clients in Allen County including maintenance of detailed case proceedings, frequent monitoring of probation progress and resolution of problems with clients and their probation terms. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Responsible for conducting regular interviews with clients according to probation terms and/or risks and needs assessment schedule. Evaluates clients’ progress toward completing terms of probation. Reviews deficiencies and provides inquiries/difficulties as situations demand. Completes special meetings with clients to review complaints and non-compliance with probation terms including disciplinary meetings with supervisors. Appears in court to testify to probation violation allegations and takes appropriate actions including petitioning court to revoke or modify probation. Responds to phone calls concerning clients including taking complaints, providing and requesting information, arranging for transportation and/or participation in treatment programs and related services and locating clients/victims when necessary. Attends a variety of court proceedings including sentencings, modification, restitution and dispositional hearings and small claims court. Testifies occasionally, attends regular staff meetings and confers individually with Supervisor as needed. Composes a variety of letters, memos and legal documents including Court Petitions for early discharges, unsatisfactory discharges and hearings. Assigns typing and other secretarial duties to support staff providing additional instruction when necessary. Conducts monthly case load review, checking files to ensure minimum necessary contact with each client, verifying completeness of notes and related paperwork and discussing problems with Supervisor if needed. Complies monthly statistics and forwards reports to Supervisor. Assists Supervisor with conducting annual case load review and evaluation of performance, developing personal improvement plans as appropriate. Closes out files/case periodically, reviewing all client documentation to assure proper completion of all probation terms. Completes final documents and reports as required. Completes special projects as requested including observing and evaluating treatment programs and administering department internship program. Attends annual State Probation Officer Conference and completes other professional development workshops, training and education as required. Responds to emergencies on 24-hour basis performing related duties as assigned and/or required by law. Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services or related field
• Certified Indiana Probation Officer
• Valid IRAS Certification
• Working knowledge of all local, state and federal laws applicable to probation operations
• Knowledge of treatment programs and services available to clients from government, social and private agencies
• Ability to effectively interview, investigate and work with clients
• Ability to effectively resolve emergency/crisis situations
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate professional files and prepare department reports and statistics
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all Department records and information
• Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software programs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate with professional and non-professional co-workers, personnel and officials from the courts and other governmental agencies, crime victims and the general public

Responsibilities

• Responsible for conducting regular interviews with clients according to probation terms and/or risks and needs assessment schedule.
• Evaluates clients’ progress toward completing terms of probation.
• Reviews deficiencies and provides inquiries/difficulties as situations demand.
• Completes special meetings with clients to review complaints and non-compliance with probation terms including disciplinary meetings with supervisors.
• Appears in court to testify to probation violation allegations and takes appropriate actions including petitioning court to revoke or modify probation.
• Responds to phone calls concerning clients including taking complaints, providing and requesting information, arranging for transportation and/or participation in treatment programs and related services and locating clients/victims when necessary.
• Attends a variety of court proceedings including sentencings, modification, restitution and dispositional hearings and small claims court.
• Testifies occasionally, attends regular staff meetings and confers individually with Supervisor as needed.
• Composes a variety of letters, memos and legal documents including Court Petitions for early discharges, unsatisfactory discharges and hearings.
• Assigns typing and other secretarial duties to support staff providing additional instruction when necessary.
• Conducts monthly case load review, checking files to ensure minimum necessary contact with each client, verifying completeness of notes and related paperwork and discussing problems with Supervisor if needed.
• Complies monthly statistics and forwards reports to Supervisor.
• Assists Supervisor with conducting annual case load review and evaluation of performance, developing personal improvement plans as appropriate.
• Closes out files/case periodically, reviewing all client documentation to assure proper completion of all probation terms.
• Completes final documents and reports as required.
• Completes special projects as requested including observing and evaluating treatment programs and administering department internship program.
• Attends annual State Probation Officer Conference and completes other professional development workshops, training and education as required.
• Responds to emergencies on 24-hour basis performing related duties as assigned and/or required by law.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level