Job Description

This position is full-time, non-exempt, and is covered under the Saint Joseph Probate Court Employee Policy Manual.

Incumbent serves as Probation Officer for St. Joseph Probate Court, responsible for conducting preliminary inquiries, pre-disposition investigations with defendants, making recommendations to the courts, and supervising probation clients for enforcement of court orders and probation terms.

Essential Responsibilities:

All probation officers are expected to make decisions and act in accordance with departmental policies and procedures, maintaining a full caseload in addition to performing all duties required by the Executive Director, their direct report, the Chief Probation Officer, or other members of the administrative team.

• Process all assigned Preliminary Inquiries. Steps listed below to be completed in a timely fashion, and in accordance with department policy.
• Review police reports and other paperwork included with the referral.
• Contact appropriate agencies for any additional information needed, including victim if necessary.
• Determine the appropriate manner to handle the Preliminary Inquiry; schedule interview, conduct phone interview, send P.I. (without interview) notice, send letter of assistance and/or list of referral agencies.
• Conduct face to face P.I. interview:
• Oral and/or written advisement of rights
• Discuss incident and other relevant issues
• Complete write-ups of P.I. form, face sheet, and summary of referrals
• Make appropriate recommendations and submit to supervisor for approval.
• Assure that all approved recommendations are completed.
• Handle intake calls and/or walk-ins.
• Respond to requests from police agencies for detention and authorize such requests in accordance with statute and departmental policies.
• Present probable cause information to the Court at detention hearings and make recommendations to the Court regarding ‘release or detain’ decisions.
• Coordinate treatment of Detainee’s needs for medical care, counseling, psychological testing.
• Complete IYAS Risk Assessment

• Prepare pre-dispositional reports on assigned cases:
• Interview juveniles, parents, school officials and other relevant people for the purpose of developing dispositional recommendations for the Court, including a visit to the juvenile’s home.
• Collect and summarize information about the juvenile, his family and his offense.
• Write a coherent, concise report indicating recommendations and the rationale for each one.
• Present pre-dispositional report at the dispositional hearing.
• Supervise clients on formal and informal probation in accordance with the Risk Classification of each client.
• Prepare needs assessment for each client.
• Develop probation goals and monitor client progress.
• Maintain client files and records, documenting all face to face and collateral contacts with juveniles, parents and relevant others.
• Make recommendations to the Court regarding termination of probation; filing of probation violation and/or new delinquency petitions; placement of client out-of-the home.
• Complete all required case management forms and maintain case management standards for client contacts.
• Respond to crisis 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.
• Monitor payment of fees and restitution.
• Testify at Waiver Hearings.
• Provide information to the Court, and make recommendations at all expedited hearings.
• Check records for probation and police agencies and the US Armed Forces.
• Provide technical assistance to police regarding juvenile referrals.
• Transport juveniles when necessary to court, shelter care, for medical appointments, and to private placements.
• Work with community agencies regarding clients and their families.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited College/University required with concentration in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or related field preferred.

Experience: Minimum of one year experience in Criminal Justice or working with youth preferred. Knowledge of the fundamentals of supervisory duties and good interpersonal communication skills required.

Direct Report: Depending on the officer’s job classification, Probation Officers report directly either to the Probation Supervisor, Assistant Chief Probation Officer or the Chief Probation Officer for supervision and administrative needs.

Skills: The ability to relate to professional staff, detained youth, and their families without bias or partiality. Competency to provide security for the community, staff and Detainees through applied mental and physical skills. Capacity to use good judgment, problem solve, anticipate, prevent, intervene, and solve crisis situations appropriately. The ability to make rational and independent decisions regarding probation and placement operations. The ability to see what needs to be done, with skills to make sure the job is completed. Must be mature and able to accept responsibility with minimal or no supervision. Good written and verbal communication skills commensurate with a four year/post college degree a must. This position requires a strong individual capable of ensuring providers deliver promised services tailored for each individual client, while maintaining a safe environment.

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