Probation Officer

City of Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cleveland is seeking a Probation Officer responsible for conducting investigations, preparing reports, and supervising offenders under community control. You will provide guidance and support to reduce recidivism and ensure compliance with court-imposed conditions.

Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong written/verbal communication, resource knowledge, and the ability to work under stressful conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related field required.
• Good written and verbal communication skills required.
• Knowledge of local community resources preferred.
• Computer skills needed to manage data and reports.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and manage caseloads.

Responsibilities

• Conduct sentencing investigation interviews and document information.
• Prepare pre/post sentencing investigation reports with recommendations.
• Supervise offenders on community control supervision for compliance.
• Provide guidance and counseling to probationers to address underlying issues.
• Maintain data and prepare monthly statistical reports.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Community resources knowledge

Computer skills

Stress management

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Probation case management system

Job description

Probation Officer

Position Summary

The Probation Officer conducts investigations and prepares reports to assist the Judges in determining the most appropriate sentencing of individuals brought before the court. A Probation Officer is also responsible for enforcing the court imposed sanctions through the development and implementation of a case work plan for individuals placed on community control supervision.

Essential and Responsibilities

1. Conduct sentencing investigation interviews and document thorough and accurate information. Verify appropriate victim information. Research defendants' case, legal history and interpret the information obtained.
2. Prepare thorough and accurate pre/post sentencing investigation reports and make appropriate recommendations.
3. Supervise offenders placed on community control supervision by the court ensuring compliance with terms of probation.
4. Provides probationers with guidance and counseling to alleviate problems which led to criminal acts.
5. Manage supervision caseload using the probation case management system.
6. Assist offenders with securing employment and/or training opportunities.
7. Make appropriate referrals to community programs in a timely manner. Enforce court ordered conditions and notify the court as required of non-compliance.
8. Make court appearances and oral presentations.
9. Assist with training of students, interns and new hires.
10. Maintain data and prepare monthly statistical reports.
11. Prepare status reports on offenders as required and make recommendations for probation violations, compliance hearings, terminations, extensions, inactive and other relevant case management action.
12. Conduct field work as required, including jail and workhouse visitation.
13. Provide quality service that continuously improves, that meets or exceeds public expectations, and that ensures all are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties to be performed. Other duties may be assigned.
Qualified applicants may be required to submit to testing and provide writing samples. Proof of education and employment references may be required before final interview.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

1. Knowledge of Chemical Dependency preferred.
2. Knowledge of local community resources.
3. Good computer skills.
4. Good written and verbal communication skills required.
5. Ability to work under stressful conditions.
6. Ability to organize and prioritize duties required.
7. Good time management skills.
8. Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy.
9. Good problem-solving skills.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice or related field required.

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.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires community visits to agencies providing services to offenders and to residences of offenders.

This position may involve controlled exposure to intoxicated, belligerent, or potentially violent offenders in court or a community agency environment.

Court Expectations of Employee

In accomplishing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures. In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

Qualified applicants will be required to submit to testing and may be required to provide writing samples. Proof of education and employment references will be required before final interview. Employment predicated upon successful completion of criminal record check and drug testing required. You'll be considered a probationary employee for your first 180 days of employment.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.