Probation Officer - Sr

Starting Compensation:

$61,542.00/Annually

Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.

At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

This is a full-time position within the Special Supervision Division of Adult Probation and Parole. This position performs all necessary functions related to the implementation and quality assurance of evidence-based practices/principles of effective intervention in Adult Probation & Parole Services. This includes ensuring that the principles of effective interventions for community corrections are being implemented in accordance with specified guidelines, curricula, etc. This position will develop and implement on-going department-wide performance measures and provide feedback to the Court, Adult Probation & Parole Services, and various external criminal justice system stakeholders. This position will coordinate and conduct evidence-based practices training for all Adult Probation & Parole Services staff.

Under the direction of the Mental Health Court and EBP Coordinator, the CQI Probation Officer position plays a significant role in helping the department effectively utilize evidence-based practices with the individuals under its supervision to reduce recidivism and provide opportunities to make positive behavior changes. This includes seeking out grant opportunities related to the implementation, performance measurement, and feedback of the ongoing evidence-based practices implementation initiative. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to the Mental Health Court and EBP Coordinator. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

45% Develop and manage department-wide continuous quality improvement plan (CQI). Tasks related to on-going implementation and quality assurance of evidence-based practices for community corrections within the department. Utilizing recognized best practices, ensure that the principles of effective intervention are being implemented with fidelity and in accordance with specified guidelines, curricula, and research. Participate in the department's evidence-based practices implementation leadership team.

20% Develop, maintain, and provide performance measurement feedback relevant to all operational aspects of the department including risk/needs assessments, fidelity, motivational interviewing skills, professional alliance, case planning, sanctions/incentives, violations, agency case management system, etc. Create meaningful outcome reports based on data collection and analysis. Prepare special evidence-based practices-related reports as assigned.

10% Coordinate and conduct evidence-based practices training and coaching for all department staff. Provide evidence-based practices overview and information to all new department staff. Work with other department leadership team members to incorporate evidence-based practices skill-building with all staff.

5% Act as a liaison to Lancaster County Juvenile Probation & Parole Quality Assurance staff and work with other outside departments/agencies regarding quality assurance-related activities. Identify, develop, and oversee grant funding opportunities related to the implementation, performance measurement, and feedback of evidence-based practices implementation initiative.

5% Work with other administrative staff to coordinate the full range of the department's research-related functions primarily related to evidence-based practices, performance measurement, and outcomes. Assist with the development of the department annual report, annual grant-in-aid standards audit, and other projects as assigned.

5% Review available records of past criminal history, psychological or psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic testing, employment, and related psycho-social information.

5% Assist in locating and handling offenders in instances of parole violations and/or subsequent offenses. Prepare summaries of case records and history, including recommendations for continued and/or changes to treatment. Schedule actions and work required by terms of status, including court dates, hearing, and evaluations. Attend court appearances to provide requested information and secure documents.

5% Regularly attend mandatory and additional training in the areas of safety, self-defense, related human service areas, and for full/up-to-date proficiency in the use of computers, as required by job duties. Employees will learn arrest skills and become involved in offender detentions.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Participate in a contributory/advisory role with inter-county, community, and state-level organizations/committees.

As requested, assist APPS administration with departmental development functions.

Performs related work as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education requirement is completion of a bachelor's degree program with course work in psychology, social work, criminal justice, business administration or closely related field; one year of experience as a Probation Officer or in a related field such as criminal justice or counseling; or any combination of the minimum acceptable education and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of Probation/Parole supervision.

Thorough knowledge of evidence-based practices/principles of effective intervention for community corrections.

Knowledge of the most up to date community corrections research.

Ability to instruct, facilitate, and coach various evidence-based practices program curricula.

Knowledge of characteristics of individual and group behavior, particularly that of individuals involved with criminal activities and/or anti-social behavior.

Knowledge of methods and techniques used in counseling adult offenders.

Basic knowledge of the principles and policies of the criminal justice system, including statutes, rules, and regulations.

Ability to learn the specific operations, practices, and procedures of probation and parole supervision, as it applies to treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation.

Ability to communicate effectively with offenders, their associates, members of the Judiciary, co-workers, representatives of other agencies, and the public.

Ability to identify and locate available community resources dealing with issues affecting offenders.

Ability to plan, document, and carry out all steps necessary to implement treatment intervention strategies.

Possess basic mathematical and statistical ability to collect, analyze, and prepare outcome date reports.

Possess analytical skills and the ability to work independently.

Ability to collect, analyze, and prepare performance measurement reports.

Ability to plan, organize, and manage time with efficiency and effectiveness.

Ability and desire to work with people and the capacity to do so with tolerance and understanding.

Proficiency in the use of, or willingness to learn, computers and software applications, as required by job duties.

Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information.

Possess problem-solving skills. REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

The candidate must pass a criminal background check, a pre-employment drug screen, and a driver history check. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided.

Ability to sit, sometimes for long periods of time.

Ability to escort offenders from waiting area to office.

Ability to operate a computer or laptop.

Ability to lift and move files weighing up to 10 pounds.

Ability to effect an arrest of an offender.

Ability to defend oneself from personal attack.

Ability to provide own transportation to and from offender's homes, meetings, and other job-related appointments in a timely manner and ability to access those locations with reasonable accommodations. Position may also require some transporting of clients to/from outside appointments.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.