Senior Probation Officer/POST Certified

JOB CODE: 2203

PAY GRADE: 1200

SALARY RANGE: $39,157 - $66,662

LOCATION OF WORK
City Court

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible, professional, supervisory work in assigning, directing, and evaluating a staff of probation officers. Work involves supervising professional subordinates engaged in office and fieldwork, assessing offender needs, presentencing investigations, counseling, and supervising offenders placed on supervised probation by the judges of various courts. Some employees of this class may carry caseloads, 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)). Work is reviewed through personal conferences, written reports, and results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Supervises casework activities, intake activities, pre-dispositional activities, or counseling offenders; maintains close liaison with employees and provides assistance as needed; assigns casework and performs administrative tasks in the absence of a superior. Reviews, prepares, and approves subordinate pre-dispositional summaries, probation reviews and reports, and personnel related documentation; maintains knowledge of cases in progress; conducts in-service training; prepares study material; assigns reading; assists in training new probation officers; attends general staff meetings; confers with various agencies. 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, and through community policing efforts and while performing searches, seizures, or the execution of criminal warrants. Conducts initial evaluations and screening of misdemeanor and felony offenders; conducts substance abuse, risk/needs, and behavior adjustment assessments by the use of diagnostic tools; conducts treatment, educational, and clinical programs for prevention and rehabilitation of offenders. Attends and testifies at court hearings of offenders or when subpoenaed by any court having jurisdiction over an offender. Collaborates with community resource providers for treatment and rehabilitation service for offenders. Speaks to school groups and the public concerning department and court related matters; corresponds and meets with counselors from various treatment facilities for informational purposes. Conducts in-service training as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles of supervision, interviewing and investigative techniques and principles, particularly, as they relate to probation work. Knowledge of the procedures, practices, and methods used and of the agencies and institutions involved in the service and execution of juvenile and criminal justice processes. Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances related to adult probation, including Louisiana Criminal Law and Procedure. Knowledge of substance abuse and related problems and characteristics in an individual with substance abuse problems. Ability to make reasonable and objective decisions and recommendations within established policies and guidelines. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; orally to groups and individuals, and in writing routine and complex documents. Ability to supervise and establish effective working relationships with others and deal firmly, tactfully and impartially with people contacted in the course of work. Ability to physically participate in strenuous physical activities (1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, firearms training, aerobic exercises, handcuffing, and takedown exercises, etc.) 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