Probation Officer

Starting Compensation:

$54,892.50/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 position involves the administration of criminal justice, supervising individuals on probation or parole.

The emphasis is on the specialization of monitoring the compliance of a large group of low-risk offenders. Work is accomplished through the assignment of a caseload of individuals for which the employee is responsible. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to a Supervisor in Adult Probation and Parole Services. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

25% Monitoring of client compliance with rules, regulations and treatment and counseling expectations. This shall be accomplished through interviews with client's family members, friends, associates, co-workers, treatment providers and other knowledgeable individuals.

35% Maintains contacts with clients through the use of individual appointments, monthly mail-in reports and telephone contacts. Researches and verifies any information reported to determine if a higher level of intervention and supervision is required. Reviews current records of criminal history, drug and alcohol patterns, environmental effects and any other elements that may raise a risk of non-compliance.

15% Complete required documentation both within and for related agencies.

20% 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

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 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

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.

Knowledge of PA Vehicle Code, specifically as it relates to matters concerning the criminal offense of DUI.

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.

Ability to maintain accurate and complete caseload records for use by others.

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

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

The candidate must pass a background investigation as required by Act 57 of 2020, 44 Pa. C.S. § 7301 et seq., and regulated by 37 Pa. Code § 241.5; a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History clearance, psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical examination, credit check, driver history check, drug/alcohol screening 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.

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.