Probation Officer

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Chief Probation Officer, Probation Officers supervise offenders placed on community control by the Miami County Common Pleas Court.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in the field of criminal justice required, criminology, sociology, social work, psychology, rehabilitation services, or related field. Strong computer, typing, written, and verbal communication skills required. A valid Ohio Driver’s License is required. Prior employment experience in a criminal justice setting is preferred. Knowledge and fluency in evidence-based practices and cognitive behavioral therapy programming are preferred. Able to conduct appropriate risk/needs assessment or have the ability to be certified. Previous experience in teaching Cognitive Behavioral Interventions T4C, Carey Guides, BITS, and Cost Benefit Analysis preferred. Prior experience building case plans is preferred. Previous experience using motivational interviewing and Core Correctional Practices is preferred.   A background in grant implementation and/or statistical analysis is desired as tracking recidivism data is essential to determining the success of rehabilitation. 

Must be capable of remaining neutral, fair, and objective. Must be able to maintain a professional demeanor while under pressure and when confronted with verbal and physically volatile situations. Must be punctual, well organized and able to work within strict time constraints. Must be comfortable working in an office, jail, and field setting. Must be comfortable working with a diverse population of individuals convicted of felony offenses, some of whom are considered high-risk and/or violent. Must be ethical and law-abiding both on the job and off. The position may require working outside of regular Court business hours. May be required to carry a firearm or Taser.

DUTIES: Supervises and provides case management to offenders granted community control supervision by the Miami County Common Pleas Court. Ensures compliance with supervision terms and conditions, including court-ordered financial obligations. Meets with offenders on a scheduled and unscheduled basis to monitor behavior and promote compliance through the use of evidence-based practices. Assesses risk and needs of offenders using an approved risk assessment tool, creates case plans with offenders, makes referrals to community agencies including, but not limited to, substance abuse and mental health treatment, housing and food assistance, educational and job placement programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy programs. Implements intervention strategies targeted at reducing recidivism and promoting success. Maintains rapport with offenders and models prosocial behaviors in order to modify criminal and anti-social thinking and behaviors. Maintains timely and accurate case records by recording all contacts and relevant case information in Court View and/or other case management systems. Drafts documents including, but not limited to, Status Reports, Arrest Notices, Violation Reports, Warrant Requests, and Termination Reports. Makes home, employment, and collateral visits to verify addresses, employment status, and general compliance with terms of supervision. Investigates allegations of community control violations by interviewing witnesses and victims, gathering evidence, and obtaining necessary statements and documents. 

Testifies in court and attends violation and other court hearings to provide input pertaining to an offender’s compliance with supervision. Attends Drug Court and treatment team meetings as needed.  Collects, breath, urine, and saliva samples to determine if offenders are using illicit drugs and/or alcohol. Collects DNA samples using buccal swab collection kits. Conducts searches and seizures for contraband, collects evidence, and makes arrests when offenders are found to be in violation of conditions of supervision. Transports offenders to jail, or other locations as needed. Initiates and maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, law enforcement agencies, jails, prosecutor’s office, defense attorneys, social service and treatment agencies, and other court agencies. Compiles statistical data as requested by the Department. Obtains and maintains certifications for the use of OHLEG (Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway), Spillman, and other law enforcement or agency databases and strictly comply with the confidentiality and conditions of those programs. Attends professional training and conferences as directed by the Department. Probation Officers will be required to have knowledge of Court and Departmental policies and Procedures. Furthermore, Officers will be required to be in strict compliance of the Policies and Procedures of the Miami County Common Pleas Court and the Adult Felony Probation Department. Other duties as assigned by the Chief Probation Officer.

These duties are illustrative only and you may perform some or all of these duties or other job-related duties as assigned.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to lift up to 15 pounds, occasionally subdue adults, frequently climbs, stoops, kneels, lifts, grasps, talks and hears in a repetitive motion, performs reading and writing activities at or within an arm’s length, exposures to general office chemicals and air contaminants; works in or around crowds, has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons, has exposure to threatening situations, works in proximity to the use of firearms, works on clients homes where exposure to contaminants and dangers is unknown, exposure to second-hand smoke and potentially vicious animals, and hazardous driving conditions.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: The Miami County Board of Commissioners, including those agencies under other elected officials, is an equal opportunity employer and does not make employment decisions in a discriminatory manner based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities that can be reasonably accommodated, or veteran status. The County complies with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

This policy prohibits both discrimination based on any of the above-listed protected characteristics, retaliation against a person who opposes or complains about prohibited conduct, or participates in any way in the complaint, investigation, or reasonable accommodation processes.