The Assistant Probation Officer is responsible for assisting with supervision of misdemeanor offenders placed on court-ordered probation, ensuring compliance with all rules and sentencing conditions. The primary areas of responsibility include attending court to sign up new offenders, conducting monthly reporting appointments, administering drug screens, monitoring payment of fines/costs and probation fees, and maintaining accurate case documentation. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by the Probation Program Director, in conjunction with the General Sessions Judges, based on offender compliance outcomes, accuracy and timeliness of documentation, knowledge of probation protocols, and organizational and interpersonal effectiveness.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, probation program participants, judicial and law enforcement personnel, regional substance abuse and mental health providers, and local employers.
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Ability to accurately assess offender needs and compliance concerns and assist with addressing barriers to successful completion of probation requirements.
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Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and judicial processes pertaining to court-ordered probation and supervision of misdemeanor offenders.
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Understanding of legal requirements and confidentiality expectations related to handling offender records, court documentation, and sensitive program information.
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Knowledge of social service and other support programs available in the region that assist offenders with employment, transportation, health services, drug treatment, housing, and related needs.
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Knowledge of accepted practices for maintaining accurate case files, program-related records, and required documentation in accordance with court and program standards.
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Ability to apply established procedures, guidelines, and program protocols in a consistent and impartial manner to support compliance monitoring and reporting requirements.
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Strong organizational, time management, and decision-making skills to ensure accurate case documentation, follow-up activities, and completion of assignments within established deadlines.
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Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively both orally and in writing, including interacting with offenders in routine reporting appointments and communicating with court and agency personnel.
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Ability to prepare, compile, and maintain reports, statistics, and supporting documentation in a timely and accurate manner for submission as required.
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Ability to read, analyze, and interpret court documents, professional guidance materials, technical procedures, and governmental regulations applicable to probation services.
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Proficiency in using modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including computers and software systems used for case documentation and reporting.
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Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems and address a variety of situations where limited standardization exists, while maintaining professionalism and adherence to policy and procedure.
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Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, manage potentially stressful situations, and maintain composure and professionalism when working with offenders and the public.
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Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in applying policies and procedures and in escalating compliance concerns to appropriate supervisory staff as needed.
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Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty, integrity, and accountability.
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Effectiveness in working as part of a team to support the probation program’s operations, goals, and overall public safety mission.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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.
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This is a light to medium work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objects.
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Work requires long periods of sitting and frequent use of finger dexterity, grasping, and reaching, and occasionally requires periods of walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
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Work requires sufficient mobility, balance, and coordination to safely move throughout office and court environments and navigate county-owned facilities as needed.
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Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word, including communicating with offenders, court personnel, and other agencies.
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Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels in both quiet and moderately noisy environments and to determine the direction of sounds.
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Visual acuity at a level to include close, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus, is required for viewing computer terminals, reviewing court documentation, analyzing records, observing offender behavior, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work assigned, with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT-
Operates in a professional office environment with moderate noise requiring routine use of standard office equipment including computer, phones, etc.
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Exposure to bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles is likely.
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Stressful, fast paced environment that includes working closely with individuals who may have substances use disorders, mental health diagnosis, and anger issues among others.
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General hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; long hours and weekend work is possible; travel and reliable transportation are required.
