Probation Officer (Criminal Division) - Lee County

20th Judicial Circuit of Florida; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great working environment

Growth and Development Opportunities

Competitive Benefits Package

Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualif

Tuition Assistance

Paid Holidays

Retirement Plan Options

457 Deferred Compensation Plans

Job summary

Administrative Office of the Courts in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida seeks a Probation Officer to supervise offenders on misdemeanor probation, ensuring compliance with court orders and preparing required reports. You will work under directives, performing home visits, and coordinating treatment and community resources to support rehabilitation and public safety.

Responsibilities include conducting investigations, delivering court reports, and testifying when required, while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field.
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain NCIC/FCIC computer operator certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct new probationer orientation.
• Direct probationers to treatment facilities and community resources.
• Direct to counseling, employment services, housing, education, and life-skills classes.
• Motivate and redirect probationers to complete requirements.
• Use motivational interviewing and evidence-based practices to foster behavioral change.
• Monitor supervision costs, fines and restitution payments.
• Provide case management functions.

Skills

Conduct interviews

Investigations

Dealing with stressed individuals

Professional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology/psychology/criminology/related field

Job description

Why Should You Apply to the Administrative Office of the Courts for the 20th Judicial Circuit

• Great working environment
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan Options
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain NCIC/FCIC computer operator certification within thirty (30) days of hire
• May be required to drive within the circuit
• Knowledge of Florida local and State guidelines, rules, regulations, and statutes pertaining to probation
• Ability to deal politely, effectively and professionally with defendants from various backgrounds under stressful conditions

SUMMARY

The Probation Officers perform professional work that ensures the effective supervision and monitoring of offenders placed on county probation using differentiated case management principles. Probation provides an alternative to incarceration and provides protection for the public by supervising and monitoring offenders. Probation supervision includes motivating and redirecting probationers. The incumbents exercise independent judgment and initiative within their scope of authority. Work is performed in accordance with court orders and directives. The core responsibilities of this position are: 1) Case Supervision of Offenders Placed on Misdemeanor Probation; 2) Monitor Compliance with Court Orders and Prepare Required Documents; 3) Make Recommendations to the Court; 4) Other Duties as Assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

• Conduct new probationer orientation
• Direct probationers to specialized treatment facilities and resources within the community
• Direct to counseling agencies, job employment services, food and shelter centers, educational opportunities, and life skills classes, etc.
• Motivate and redirect probationers to assist in completion of the probation requirements
• Utilize motivational interviewing and evidence based practices to motivate positive behavioral change
• Monitor cost of supervision, fines, and court costs, and restitution payments
• Provide case management functions

• Conduct home visits as necessary
• Perform investigations to ensure compliance with court orders
• Compile information and prepare and deliver detailed reports to the court orally and in writing
• Conduct follow-up with treatment facilities
• Conduct ongoing supervision and case review of all offenders on caseload
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, case files on all probationers under supervision caseload
• Provide notification on non-compliance to the court and submit warrant or notices to appear
• Focus on improving success rates through use of evidenced based practices
• Conduct and coordinate drug and alcohol screens

• Make recommendations relating to the requests for warrants, modifications, and dismissals of warrants, violation hearings
• Make recommendations on violations of probation and referrals to outside agencies
• Testify in court as required
• Complete a comprehensive national/state/ local criminal background check and social history on the defendant
• Complete a risk and needs assessment and case supervision plan
• Ability to keep all investigative report findings confidential

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

QUALIFICATIONS

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

Knowledge of:

• Methods, practices, principles, procedures, and techniques used in interviewing and investigating as it pertains to the operation of the department
• Basic structure of the Florida State Courts System and the criminal justice system
• Local, state, and federal guidelines, rules, regulations, and statutes as they pertain to probation and sentencing parameters
• Recent developments, literature, and resources in the probation field
• Effects of drugs and alcohol
• Resources and various programs available and applicable to the specific needs of persons on supervised probation

Ability to:

• Conduct interviews and investigations
• Deal politely, effectively, and professionally with defendants from various backgrounds, who are experiencing a variety of stressful conditions
• Work well under pressure, multi-task and meet established timelines and goals
• Follow written and oral instructions and procedures
• Observe and read drug screen testing
• Effectively interpret general policy, criteria, and procedures for specific situations
• Identify general symptoms of substance abuse and emotional problems
• Conduct investigations, compile information and prepare and deliver detailed reports to the court reports orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain working relationships with other governmental agencies, schools, volunteer programs, and other resources
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• Assist in the training of others as needed
• Attend seminars and conferences as necessary
• Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field.
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Obtain and maintain NCIC/FCIC computer operator certification within thirty (30) days of hire.
• May be required to drive within the circuit

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None