Probation Officer

Probation Officer

The mission of Probation Services is to promote community safety by reducing recidivism, changing offender behavior and fostering accountability through the effective use of evidence-based practices. A probation officer is under the general direction of and reports to the Chief Probation Officer.

Examples of Duties

Administration of assessment tools to ensure appropriate supervision placement, intervention and programming.

Monitor defendant's compliance with pre-trial release conditions.

Transport and supervise Community Service completion.

Ability to learn fingerprinting procedures and requirements.

Develop an appropriate supervision plan to address the orders of the Court and identify the needs of a defendant.

Supervise and support defendants through the behavior-change process; skills and goal attainment; and compliance with court-ordered conditions of supervision which includes teaching new skills, and application of motivational interviewing skills.

Notify the Court of defendant's compliance with supervision requirements and attend court hearings when required.

Conduct investigations and prepare written reports to assist the Court in the determination of appropriate sentences or the expungement/sealing of criminal offense records.

Supervise specialized caseloads consisting of defendants with mental-health or developmental disability considerations; defendants who have served in the military or defendants ordered to a period of electronic monitoring (GPS).

Maintain accurate, current and thorough documentation and records.

Active participation in required training and professional development events around evidence-based practices in community corrections and behavioral health issues, per department standards and as deemed appropriate.

Performs other related duties as required by the Judge and Chief Probation Officer.

Typical Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with core course work in areas related to criminal justice, criminology, corrections, psychology, social work or related field.

One (1) year work experience in the court system, corrections, behavioral health, law enforcement or related fields.

The ability to demonstrate and apply basic knowledge of mental health, trauma and substance abuse issues.

Successful completion of the State of Ohio's probation officer certification and training process within one year of hire (if not currently certified).

Meet required eligibility and pass tests required to become certified to use Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems (L.E.A.D.S.), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI), Federal Bureau of Investigation and other identification information systems.

Willingness and ability to be trained and maintain certification in defensive tactics, verbal de-escalation techniques and first aid/CPR.

Ability to assess and supervise defendants effectively (e.g., assess and resolve problems, motivate defendants toward prosocial support and activities, and facilitate interventions that assist defendants in changing their thinking and behavior)

Effective oral and written communication and interviewing skills (e.g. ability to listen effectively, obtain sensitive information, explain complex issues in a comprehensible manner, prepare accurate and logical reports relevant to a defendant)

Ability to make informed and thoughtful recommendations and decisions.

Knowledge of the criminal-justice system and current research trends in the field of community corrections in order to work effectively within the Court.

Ability to appropriately receive and follow supervisory feedback, coaching and direction.

Demonstrate resilience and flexibility in a high-paced, dynamic work environment.

Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Proficiency in operating a personal computer and using, or being able to learn, Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook and Excel, and the Court's case-management software.

Pleasant personality, ability to deal with potentially difficult people, able to interact and maintain effective working relationships with the judge, co-workers, attorneys, litigants, law-enforcement officers and others conducting business with the Court.

Conscious of and sensitive to the diversity within the Court's jurisdiction, and the ability to interact professionally with this diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds on a regular basis.

Excellent time-management skills, ability to prioritize work, ability to work independently and ability to work under time constraints.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Professional appearance and demeanor, particularly a positive attitude appropriate for the position and the work environment as a representative of the Court.

Demonstrated dependability, punctuality and excellent attendance record.

Ability to work collaboratively with criminal-justice partners.

Willingness to become familiar with the Court's community resources.

Maintain a valid Ohio driver license.

Monitor and/or collect urine specimens from defendants.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience as a licensed social worker, professional counselor and/or chemical dependency counselor.

Successful completion of the state's probation officer certification standard.

Fluent in Spanish, French or other foreign language.

Supplemental Information

Nature of "At-Will" Employment: The person employed serves solely at the pleasure of the Judge. "AT WILL" positions can be terminated or modified without cause with no recourse, totally upon the discretion of the Judge and/or her designee(s).

The person selected will undergo a background investigation, drug screen and be subject to random drug testing during employment.

Applicants can apply online through the City of Fairfield's Human Resources "current employment opportunities listing" or submit a cover letter and resume to the court's email address at courtsweb@fairfield-city.org.

The City of Fairfield provides benefits to Full-Time employees such as medical, dental and eye care insurance, vacation and sick pay.

THE FAIRFIELD MUNICIPAL COURT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, AGE OR ANCESTRY.

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