Probation Officer - Leelanau County

Grand Traverse County; Michigan; On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings Account contributions

Dental and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Generous vacation policy

Retirement plans with matching contributions

Job summary

Grand Traverse County is looking for a Probation Officer to manage probation caseloads and rehabilitate offenders. The role involves monitoring compliance, conducting investigations, and interacting with various stakeholders, including the court system.

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, two years of related experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Exceptional benefits and a supportive work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Two years of professional experience as a Probation Officer is a must.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.

Responsibilities

• Manage probation caseloads to rehabilitate probationers.
• Monitor compliance with probation terms.
• Conduct pre-sentence investigations.

Skills

Proficiency in English grammar

Multi-tasking ability

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

Office equipment and software

Job description

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up‑north community. We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government. We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to full- and part‑time employees. Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description

Primary functions of the job are to manage probation caseloads in order to rehabilitate probationers and reduce recidivism of adults, explain sentencing and probation requirements, monitor compliance with probation terms, and conduct pre‑sentence investigations and assessments to make recommendations to the Judge. Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to successfully perform all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. This position may require irregular hours and may require travel by the employee in the employee’s own vehicle.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides case management of individuals on probation to ensure public safety and attempt to rehabilitate probationers to reduce recidivism.
• Writes dispositional reports containing necessary information to determine appropriate course of action for individuals on probation.
• Investigates the background of persons awaiting sentencing on District Court convictions, including analyzing probationer’s health, employment, psychological history, emotional status, and potential risk factors, as well as other pre‑sentence information to make recommendations to the Judge based on findings.
• Monitors compliance with probation terms and conditions of probationers.
• Prepares pre‑sentence investigation reports, bench warrants, and petitions.
• May provide probationers with guidance and counsel on a variety of social issues and refer clients to community rehabilitation programs designed to assist those with drug, alcohol, emotional, occupational, or housing problems.
• Prepares progress reports, probation violation reports, and other related reports and makes recommendations for probation termination.
• Participates in court‑related activities, including preparing documents/files for court, testifying, and performing other applicable courtroom activities.
• May participate in and collaborate with a variety of committees, professional associations, boards, and/or other related groups.
• May be required to administer a portable breath test (PBT) to court clients.
• Analyzes and prepares reports for applicable committees, commissioners, judges, deputy court administrator, and court administrator, and processes, compiles, inputs data utilizing the applicable software within the established procedures.
• May perform home visits, including breath testing and residence searches.
• Actively participates in review hearings with probationers, team members, and judges.

Education, Formal Training, and Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related human services field.
• Two years of professional experience as a Probation Officer or in a related field.

Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan Operators License and personal auto insurance, and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s Vehicle policy.

Conditions of Employment

• Background check may be required initially and periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job.
• Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to: confirmation of identity, review of criminal conviction records, verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position, review of Department of Motor Vehicle records, Department of Justice fingerprint scan, and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Involves evaluating the relevance and importance of theories, concepts, principles and developing different approaches or tactical plans to fit specific circumstances.
• Guidelines may exist but are flexible and are open to considerable interpretation.
• Independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are needed to interpret and apply guidelines.
• Moderate impact on the image of the County and/or the wellbeing or rights of its citizens.
• Errors at this level will be difficult to detect and may require the intervention of an agency head to resolve.
• Compared to Chief Probation Officer: is NOT a Lead Probation Officer.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Other Requirements

• May occasionally work in an outdoor environment with potential exposure to weather-related heat, cold, rain, wind, and other related elements.
• May be required to reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• May occasionally be required to lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases and/or criminal suspects or prison inmates.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies (Minimum Requirements)

• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
• General knowledge of District Court statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data.
• Ability to multi-task is essential.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co‑workers, and representatives of other agencies.
• Skill in operation of modern office equipment such as personal computer, facsimile, copiers, scanners, and telephones.
• Appropriately and effectively represent the County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives, and develop liaison relationships between the community and the County.
• Skill in researching and resolving problems in order to ensure compliance.
• Ability to assess and provide guidance within area of specialized knowledge.
• Ability to interpret and explain policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws within area of expertise in layman’s terms.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
• Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity.
• Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job.
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to effectively assess and guide individuals and their families in the probation officer’s area of expertise.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting hourly rate: $29.23 USD.

• Medical: The County offers employees a high‑deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
• Vision: The County provides a no‑cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
• Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. Employees pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
• Wellness: The County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
• Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, and we show that by providing awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
• Vacation: The County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
• Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
• Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
• Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
• Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.
• 457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.
• Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
• Short‑Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.
• Long‑Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.