Probation: Adult Probation Officer

• Conducts preliminary and pre-sentence investigations and prepares reports of probationers' personal data for the Court, including criminal, social and substance abuse histories.
• Supervises, monitors and assists probationers in complying with court-imposed probation conditions, including reviewing and signing rules of probation, administering drug screens, conducting home and employment verification checks, and monitoring probationers in programs such as alcohol treatment, mental health counseling, and community service.
• Maintains accurate records of all cases investigated or assigned by the Court and furnishes records and reports to the Court upon request. Assists Court with sentencing alternatives and/or community corrections.
• Cooperates with public and private agencies and assists individuals on probation in obtaining needed services from appropriate public or private treatment and/or welfare agencies.
• Testifies before the Court regarding probationer's character, attitude and/or behavior, and informs the Court of probationer's status regarding compliance with terms of probation, recommending modifications and/or legal action as necessary.
• Maintains frequent communication with various individuals/agencies regarding assigned probationers, including attorneys, Prosecutor, counselors, crime victims, courts, and law enforcement personnel.
• Collects and disburses money from probationers according to the order of the Court and maintains accurate and complete accounts of monetary collections and disbursements.
• Maintains contact with Probation Officers in other counties to assess offenders transferred out of Vigo County jurisdiction.
• Answers telephone, determining nature of call, providing information and assistance, taking messages and/or directing calls to appropriate individual or department.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations by researching and consulting a variety of legal codes and reference manuals, attending annual State Probation Officer Conference, and completing other professional development workshops, training, and education.
• Performs related duties as assigned and/or required by I.C 11-13-1-3.

• Baccalaureate Degree in Criminal Justice, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or related field.
• Possession of State certification as Probation Officer or take and pass examination within six months of hire date.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to meet all employer and department hiring requirements, including passage of a drug test.
• Thorough knowledge of all local, state, and federal laws applicable to probation operations, with ability to apply and enforce regulations as needed.
• Working knowledge of standard policies and practices of Vigo County legal process and probation system, with ability to accurately complete required legal reports, make recommendations to the Court, and apply and adapt procedures as cases demand.
• Working knowledge of treatment programs and services available to clients from government, social, and private agencies, with ability to make referrals and assist clients with programs as needed.
• Working knowledge of standard office procedures and Department computer software programs, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks and operations.
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare Department forms/documents/reports within established deadlines.
• Knowledge of basic filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and complete Department files and records.
• Ability to perform essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of self and other individuals in the workplace.
• Ability to properly operate standard office, such as computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, and telephone.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, law enforcement agencies, schools, various Courts, treatment providers, Probationers, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to State requirements.
• Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with hostile/violent persons.
• Ability to deal swiftly, rationally, and decisively with potentially violent individuals in precarious situations, take authoritative action, and apply appropriate discretion and common sense.
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly, hear and be heard and understood when communicating in person, by radio, or by telephone.
• Ability to understand, memorize, retain and carry out written and oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
• Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.
• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, often under time pressure.
• Ability to provide testimony in legal proceedings/court as required.
• Ability to regularly work evening hours, and occasionally work extended hours, and occasionally travel out of town, sometimes overnight.

Supplemental Information
Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, involving sitting/walking at will, sitting for long periods, lifting/carrying objects weighing less than 25 pounds, close vision, keyboarding, color perception, speaking clearly, and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent maintains regular contact with probationers and is regularly exposed to irate/hostile individuals and/or physical violence.