Parole Officer

State of Indiana; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave

Education reimbursement

Free Parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

State of Indiana invites applications for a Parole Officer within the Division of Parole Services. You will assist with district or program oversight, ensure compliance with Departmental policies, and serve as a liaison between managers and staff.

The role focuses on safe community reintegration of offenders and adherence to laws and procedures. The position emphasizes risk assessment, counseling, and collaboration with law enforcement, judges, and partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of laws, rules, policy and procedures governing paroled offenders.
• Working knowledge of community resources to aid in transitions.
• Strong problem-solving and case-management abilities.
• Ability to assess offender risk and report signs of illness or inappropriate behavior.
• Ability to conduct thorough investigations into parolee activities.
• Develop cooperative relationships with parolees, families, employers and officials.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Must test negative on drug screenings and qualify for firearm certification.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial risk assessments and Re-entry Accountability Plans for each offender.
• Maintain accurate electronic and written records of supervision.
• Communicate with parolees and document case notes as required.
• Monitor parolee movement, housing, employment, and services; including sex offenders.
• Offer counseling and assist in securing employment, schooling or housing.
• Develop community resources for offender programs and treatment; maintain records.

Skills

Parole laws

Community resources

Problem solving

Risk assessment

Investigation

Relational skills

Critical thinking

Drug screening

Firearm certification

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Correction Division of Parole Services :

The Division of Parole Services was established within the Indiana Department of Correction in the 1960’s severing its relationship with the State Welfare Department. Parole Services is charged with enhancing public safety by providing community based supervision and services for adult offenders through the use of evidence based practices as they transition from a Correctional Facility to Community Supervision. Parole Services Division operates out of ten district offices located across the State.

Role Overview:

The incumbent assist with the oversight of specific District Office or Division Program. The officer in this position will be responsible for compliance with Department of Correction Policy, Procedures, and Division Directives. This ensures that all laws and the rights of individuals are protected. The Parole Officer may supervise professional and/or administrative staff as they implement their individual responsibilities. The Parole Officer acts as the immediate liaison between the manager and assigned staff.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Completes an initial Risk Assessment and a Re-entry Accountability Plan for each offender. Subsequent Re-entry Accountability Plans are required by policy;
• Maintains and provides accurate electronic and written records concerning all aspects of the supervision of assigned parolees, on a regular and ad hoc basis;
• Communicates with parolees and completes subsequent case notes as required, and as dictated by the risk assessment at a work site, home, office, or other location;
• Monitors a parolee’s movement, housing, employment, and other services, including for registered sex offenders;
• Provides counseling services to offenders transitioning back into the community, including direction and assistance in securing employment, schooling, training and/or housing for offenders leaving the custody of the department;
• Promotes and develops community resources for offender programs and treatment and maintain records of community resources;
• Conducts community-based investigations for clemency and parole, including parole violations, per Departmental and State laws and procedures. This may include apprehension of offenders who have violated the conditions of parole;
• Serves as an expert witness/subject matter expert in various legal proceedings and hearings;
• Holds probable cause hearings, administer drug/alcohol screenings to offenders, and promotes and developers community resources;
• Responds to emergency contacts on a 24 hour/7 days per week basis;
• Transports or assists in the transportation of offenders to departmental facilities.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Broad knowledge of the laws, rules, departmental policy, and procedures concerning the supervision of paroled offenders;
• Working knowledge of community-based resources (education, employment, counseling, rehabilitation, etc.) to aid in the parolee's transition;
• Extensive problem-solving abilities as it relates to case management;
• Ability to accurately assess an offender’s risk level, as well as report signs of illness and inappropriate behavior;
• Ability to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation into a parolee's activities, including community investigation;
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with all parolees as well as their families, employers, and program providers. This includes cooperative relationships with local law enforcement, judges, and other local officials for effective parolee reintegration;
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to apply as needed;
• This person must satisfy the following requirements for employment:
• Must test negative on all drug screenings;
• Upon hire, must qualify for and maintain firearm certification as well as carry a firearm in the performance of duties. This includes successful completion of Parole Academy as part of initial onboarding.

A degree is not required. However, at least 4+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .