Adult Probation Officer

Lake County, IL; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Lake County, Illinois is seeking a Probation Officer to supervise defendants in the community, ensure court-ordered conditions are met, and report to the court on client histories. The role requires communication, ethics, and solid analytical skills for evaluating risk and progress.

Responsibilities include risk assessments, interviews, and documentation. The position may involve evenings and weekends, with comprehensive training and background checks.

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with related fields.
• Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court (AOC).

Responsibilities

• Assist probationers to solve problems and adjust to reduce law-violating behavior.
• Supervise conduct in the community and ensure court conditions are followed.
• Appear in court to provide reports or testimony on assigned defendants and probationers.
• Maintain complete, timely records and case files; refer clients to supportive services.
• Conduct risk assessments, urinalysis, and comply with LEADS requirements.
• Prepare and file reports with the court and monitor client progress.

Skills

Social work practices

Casework philosophy

Report writing

Communication

Analytical thinking

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice / related field

Court certification (AOC form)

Tools

Word

Spreadsheet

Job description

General Description

Under general supervision, performs work of considerable difficulty in probation and other community supervision services. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist the probationer to solve problems and to make necessary adjustments to reduce law-violating behavior. Supervision of the defendants’ conduct in the community and adherence to court ordered conditions is also integral to the position. Officers also serve investigatory functions and submit reports to the court regarding defendant social and criminal histories. Work requires the use of independent judgment, initiative, and familiarity with standards, policies, and functions of the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Hours of Work

• Varies by unit.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned.
• May be required to be on-call during conventional and non-conventional (evening/weekends)

• Knowledge of, and proficient use of, Core Correctional Practices and other evidence‑based practices and tools such as: risk assessments, motivational interviewing, targeted interventions, positive reinforcement, outcome measures and feedback
• Provides meaningful interaction and interventions with the client.
• Participate in group or individual evidence‑based services to clients.
• Responds to emergency situations that arise for client crisis intervention and provides appropriate follow‑up services.
• Appears in court to provide oral reports or testimony on assigned defendants and/or probationers (e.g., bond hearings, status hearings, sentencing hearings, trials, etc.)
• Keeps complete, timely and accurate records, reports, logs, and case files on each probationer.
• Makes referrals for supportive services and maintains contact with agency for the duration of the service.
• Completes reports filed with the court, such as Bond Reports, Risk Assessments, IPS and Problem‑Solving Court Assessments, Status Reports, Criminal History Reports, Limited Inquiries or as assigned or ordered by the court.
• Completes comprehensive Probation and Compliance Intakes and/or Pretrial Orientations
• Maintains LEADS certifications as required.
• Conducts urinalysis and breathalyzer testing.
• Monitors defendant’s compliance with court ordered conditions.
• Processes requests for Petitions for Revocation per policy on clients
• Imposes Administrative Sanctions on clients per policy.
• Collects DNA samples and submits to the Illinois State Police.
• Regular and ongoing contact with victims and/or collateral contacts
• May be required to work evenings and weekends as assigned.
• May be required to be on-call during conventional and non-conventional (evening/weekends) hours as assigned.
• Tracks all pending and court outcomes on assigned clients.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, programs, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

• Good knowledge of modern social service practices and casework philosophy, methods, and practices
• Good knowledge of the methods, practices, and procedures of investigation
• Ability to deal with difficult offenders in the community.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Possession of a significant level of ethical integrity
• Ability to effectively problem solve.
• Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, judges, attorneys, clients, and the general public.
• Work with mathematical concepts.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software (Word processing and spreadsheet) are required.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements (Ed and/or Other Requirements)

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably with major course work in criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, psychology, or related field.
• Certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court. The following is a link to the required form:https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/employment-application/

Other Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a resident of Illinois.(May reside in Wisconsin with prior approval)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass an extensive criminal background check.
• Must pass a physical examination

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May involve long periods sitting and driving in a car.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent uponthe successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.Only employees who have completed the probationary period are eligible for a transfer or promotion.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.