Senior Probation Officer

JOB CODE: 2202

PAY GRADE: 1170

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

LOCATION OF WORK
Various City-Parish Departments

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 initial screening and evaluation of offenders, casework activities, intake activities, predispositional activities, counseling adult misdemeanor criminal offenders, or offenders placed in the pre-trial diversion program. Work involves the use of considerable independent judgment within established policies and guidelines in making recommendations that often determine court action. Some employees of this class may carry caseloads, monitor probation conditions, and conduct drug screens. Work is reviewed through personal conferences, written reports, and results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Supervises casework activities, intake activities, predispositional activities or counseling adult misdemeanor criminal and DWI 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 predispositional summaries, probation and reports, and personnel related documentation; maintains knowledge of cases in progress; conducts inservice training; prepares study material; assigns reading; assists in training new probation officers; attends general staff meetings; confers with various agencies. Conducts initial screening and evaluation of DWI offenders, domestic violence offenders and adult misdemeanor criminal offenders; conducts presentence investigations; submits presentence investigation reports to the Judges of Baton Rouge City Court and supervises a caseload. Carries a caseload of adult misdemeanor criminal offenders on supervised probation. Attends and testifies at court hearings when subpoenaed by any court having jurisdiction over an offender. May function as a DWI instructor and may conduct DWI schools; may serve as Victim's Impact Panel facilitator. Speaks before schools, groups and the public concerning court related matters; corresponds and meets with counselors from various treatment facilities for informational purposes.

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 the criminal justice processes. Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances related to adult probation, including Louisiana Criminal Law and Procedure. Knowledge of state and local agencies and treatment facilities that provide mental health, vocational and legal services to law violators and their families. Knowledge of substance abuse and related problems and characteristics in an individual with substance abuse problems. Knowledge of the City Court Driver's Improvement School Curriculum. Knowledge of computer assisted, database record keeping. Skill in the use of modern office equipment, such as: the telephone, typewriter, copier, computer terminal and related peripherals. Ability to supervise and evaluate professional subordinate personnel and work with other departments in achieving objectives. 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 establish effective working relationships with others and deal firmly, tactfully and impartially with people contacted in the course of work. 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