Adult Probation Officer

County of Kent; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent County seeks a probation caseworker to supervise adult offenders on probation, coordinating rehabilitation services and monitoring compliance to reduce recidivism. You will perform investigations, interviews, and prepare pre-sentencing reports for the Court.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice or related field and at least one year in human services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice or related field and one year of human services experience.
• Working knowledge of social casework theory and developmental psychology.
• Familiarity with community resources available to assist and treat adult offenders.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speech; proficient with standard office software.

Responsibilities

• Provide casework services supervising adult offenders on probation.
• Coordinate rehabilitation services to reduce recidivism.
• Conduct investigations and interviews to establish offender histories.
• Prepare pre-sentencing reports and recommendations.
• Monitor compliance with probation terms and conditions.
• Refer probationers to community resources and track progress.
• Interact effectively with judges, court staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and diverse populations.
• Maintain clear case records and reports.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Casework skills

Interviewing

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice or related field

Master’s degree or coursework toward a Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The successful candidate will provide casework services in the supervision of adult offenders sentenced to probation by the District Court. Will coordinate and enforce rehabilitation services in an effort to reduce recidivism. These services include investigations, frequent client contact, substance abuse testing, and referral and follow-up with appropriate counseling agencies. The ability to interact positively with individuals from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds is essential.

Conducts pre-hearing and pre-sentence investigations for assigned cases, reviewing documentation and conducting interviews to establish offender work, social, and criminal histories.

Prepares pre-sentencing reports and sentencing recommendations for the Court.

Performs social casework with adult probationers and their families to improve relationships and social adjustment.

Refers probationers to community resources as appropriate.

Monitors compliance of probationers with terms and conditions of probation.

Evaluates probationer progress through required office visits and contacts with schools, employers and treatment programs, as appropriate.

Provides counseling for adult offenders to assist in transition from incarceration or other institutional status to probation.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice or other relevant field combined with one year of experience in a human services position.

Working knowledge of the theory and practice of social casework. Working knowledge of the principles and applications of developmental psychology. Working knowledge of psychological, emotional and behavioral disorders and appropriate interventions. Familiarity with community resources available to assist and treat adult offender population.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The ability to prepare clear, concise, and complete case records and reports. Computer literacy and working knowledge of word-processing and spreadsheet application software. Basic knowledge of the Michigan criminal code.

Must have the ability to interact positively with judges, magistrates, court staff and administration, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, outside departments and agencies, and diverse client populations. Ability to interact positively with individuals from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Master’s degree or significant coursework toward a Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or Criminal Justice is beneficial.

Schedule:

This is a 4-day workweek with alternating Fridays and Mondays:

• Week 1: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM
• Week 2: Tuesday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

This schedule provides a consistent40-hour workweek, with every other Monday or Friday off.

*Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*

Don't take our word for it that Kent County is a great place to work and thrive. Watch this video on why our staff have made us their employer of choice.