Probation Officer/POST Certified

JOB CODE: 2201

PAY GRADE: 1170

SALARY RANGE: $33,825 - $57,585

LOCATION OF WORK
City Court

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general supervision of a Senior Probation Officer/Post Certified, performs professional office or fieldwork in presentencing investigations, counsels, and supervises offenders placed on supervised probation by the judges of various courts. Work involves the collection, examination, and evaluation of information obtained through office and fieldwork interviews in determining the appropriate action and/or recommendations for disposition of assigned cases. Work may also involve evaluating and monitoring delinquent cases and offenders, and occasionally reviewing other Probation Officer casework files. Some employees of this class may be required to carry a weapon, work various hours, including nights, and ride with police officers to serve warrants, monitor probation conditions, conduct drug screens, or make arrests. Employees of this class are commissioned probation officers of various courts with powers of arrest and all other powers afforded peace officers (as stated in LSA – C.Cr.P. Art. 899(F)). Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Interviews and counsels a caseload of offenders on supervised probation; monitors compliance with conditions specified by judges; monitors offenders electronically and through the use of office, field, jail, and facility; monitors and evaluates service provider facilities to ensure delivery of services; monitors arrest activity from law enforcement agencies reports. Makes referrals to appropriate service provider; conducts mandatory conferences with clients and appropriate service agencies. Conducts initial evaluations and screenings of misdemeanor and felony offenders; conducts substance abuse, risk/needs, and behavior adjustment assessments by the use of diagnostic tools. Attends court with offenders for hearings; informs offenders of all available services; attends and testifies at court hearings. Formulates, coordinates, and executes plans to safely arrest offenders who have violated their conditions of supervision and/or have been ordered into custody by a judge; works with law enforcement agencies in the prevention of crime through community policing efforts and/or detain offenders while performing searches and seizures, or the execution of criminal warrants. Speaks to school groups and the general public concerning court related matters; corresponds and meets with counselors from various treatment facilities or schools for informational purposes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and principles, particularly, as they relate to probation work. Knowledge of substance abuse and related problems and characteristics in an individual with substance abuse problems. Knowledge of the procedures, practices, and methods used and of the agencies and institutions involved in the service and execution of criminal justice processes. Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances related to adult probation, including Louisiana Criminal Law and Procedure. Skill in the use of modern office equipment, such as: the telephone, copier, typewriter, computer terminal, and related peripherals. Ability to recognize, analyze, and understand the psychological and sociological problems of the socially maladapted person, substance abuser, or domestic violence offender and related problems and characteristics of an individual with substance abuse problems or abusive behavior problems. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally to groups and to individuals, and in the writing of routine reports, records, and letters. Ability to deal firmly, tactfully, and impartially with people contacted in the course of the work. Ability to make reasonable and objective decisions and recommendations within established policies and guidelines. Ability to physically participate in strenuous physical activities (1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, firearms training, aerobic exercises, handcuffing exercises, takedown exercises, and other strenuous activities). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS