NHS Human Services, Inc.

The Adult Probation and Parole Officer I (hereafter referred to as Adult Probation Officer) plays a pivotal role in carrying out the work of the Court and in the protection of public safety. This position is responsible for enforcing Court orders and assuring the adult offender's compliance with conditions of sentencing, diversionary program participation, and parole. This includes prevention of further criminal acts and technical violations and assistance with and promotion of positive change for offenders returning to the community.

The Adult Probation and Parole Officer displays the following leadership qualities:

• An enthusiastic dedication to innovative public service and to customer-driven service and personal growth
• The capability of describing and expressing, in public conversation as well as during one-on-one mentoring, the value of personal accountability for the success of colleagues and the Court of Common Pleas
• A clear grasp of essential performance behaviors and operational goals and an active, day-to-day desire and effort to learn more
• Self-motivation, with the ability to shift priorities to meet needs when unanticipated problems occur
• The capacity to create a sense of purpose, even in stressful times, and to generate and maintain a high level of morale
• The ability and willingness to assist others in reaching their potential
• The ability and willingness to work with others as a team player who feels a sense of responsibility not only for his/her own success, but for the success of colleagues as well as clients/offenders.
• The ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to difficult or dangerous situations
• Flexibility and the ability to respond to important situations and tasks that fall outside of typical weekday work hours

The individual in this position must be able to perform satisfactorily each of the Essential Functions described below, must consistently demonstrate the ability to handle numerous tasks and responsibilities and the ability to anticipate and meet deadlines, and must have outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail. The individual must anticipate and respond promptly, in a professional manner, to internal and external customer requests.  

Administrative Essential Functions:

• Communicates effectively orally and in writing
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills, including presenting information effectively and responding to questions from the Court, County officials, colleagues, law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies and the public
• Maintains effective working relationships with the Court of Common Pleas and County staff, as well as with external organizations and customers, such as government entities
• Leads, motivates and works closely with people of all skills and backgrounds
• Works with other staff and offenders/clients in one-on-one and small group situations
• Reads and interprets financial and statistical information
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Adult Probation and Parole Office
• Knowledge of the processes and protocols of the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas
• Knowledge of basic computer skills
• Accesses and inputs data into and retrieves data from computer information systems
• Assists in setting expectations for staff performance with respect to data gathering, collaborative analysis and reporting
• Assists departmental leaders in raising questions and facilitating discussions of ways to measure key areas in which operational performance is succeeding and where it needs to improve
• Maintains confidentiality of information
• Completes no fewer than 40 hours per year of continuing education programs relevant to the mission and duties of Adult Probation and Parole or the criminal justice system

Operational Essential Functions:

• Supervises a caseload of adult offenders and enforcing Orders f Court and conditions of supervision
• Reviews rules of supervision and special conditions with offenders
• Meets with offenders in the office and the field
• Investigates complaints about offenders thoroughly
• Assists offenders in adjusting to life in the community
• Helps prevent future criminal acts and technical violations
• Conducts investigations, prepares social/legal case histories, pre-sentence investigations, and pre-release/parole plans as required
• Conducts counseling interviews with assigned offenders, utilizing approved counseling techniques, to determine and clarify problems and suggests constructive methods for addressing such problems, consulting with an Adult Probation and Parole Office supervisor when necessary
• Gathers and evaluates data in connection with investigations and supervision
• Conducts drug and alcohol tests (e.g., urine samples and breath/alcohol tests)
• Prepares documents for and participates in Gagnon I and II revocation hearings
• Refers offenders to appropriate agencies for treatment and other services
• Coordinates DNA and/or Megan's Law registration
• Reviews inmate institutional adjustment/behavior with prison authorities
• Conducts field investigations for parole plans, verifies information supplied by inmates/offenders, and responds to correspondence or questions regarding parole plans with inmates and others
• Makes periodic reports to the Court of Common Pleas
• Assists as needed with courtroom procedures during Court sessions
• Carefully documents facts and testifies in Court with respect to an offender's activities, behavior, and quality of adjustment while under supervision
• Exercises peace officer powers of arrest, searches, and seizures
• Performs duties related to cases scheduled for Court, including maintaining contact with Court officials and attorneys
• Performs call-out duty and responds to alert messages as required
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date case records
• Determines when modification of orders of Court is appropriate and initiates action with the Court of Common Pleas
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with law enforcement agencies, human services providers, and other Court/County departments and staff
• Makes inter-agency contacts regarding offender supervision
• Represents the Adult Probation and Parole Office and the Court of Common Pleas in appropriate public situations
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed by judges, the Chief Adult Probation Parole Officer, the Deputy Chief, or the Assistant Chief

Physical Essential Functions:

Passes physical examination performed by a medical doctor

Walks, stands, sits, kneels, pushes, stoops, reaches above the shoulder, grasps, pulls, bends repeatedly, climbs stairs

Sits for extended periods of time

Works in normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt

Moves about within the courthouse and other County facilities to meet with offenders and access other staff and materials

Speaks and hears clearly and occasionally withstands higher than average levels of noise

Works in potentially high stress situations

Physically subdues and restrains offenders, including; detaining, restraining, and handcuffing both resisting and non-resisting offenders, runs short distances and searches offenders

Safely operates weapons

Handles and uses office implements and equipm