Probation Officer

Apply online at by October 31, 2024. $31.33 to $41.26 DOQ.
Position Objective
Performs intermediate work and is responsible for investigative and supervisory services of Chisago County Probation for the District Court of the 10th Judicial District and the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). This position is considered an "at will" Chisago County employee, working under the moderate supervision of the Probation Director and serves at the pleasure of the Court as defined by Minnesota Statute 244.19, and is required to comply with the following expectations:

• Be prepared and on time for court hearings.
• Be honest and truthful in all dealings with the Court.
• Treats all court participants with courtesy and respect.
• Does not engage in discriminatory or harassing behavior.
• Remains law abiding.
• Avoids conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest.
• Does not use or possess illegal drugs.
• Always conducts himself/herself in a manner that will not bring discredit to the Court or Probation Department.
• Abides by HIPPA/Privacy act at all times.

The position further exists to protect, serve, and inform the citizens of Chisago County in promoting successful adjustment and integration of offenders into the community through the restorative justice model. This model provides offender accountability, victim/community safety, and offender rehabilitation measures.
All staff conduct is governed by the Chisago County Probation Code of Ethics Policy #1-112, the Chisago County Personnel Policy manual, and the 10th Judicial District Court Services/Probation Personnel Guidelines.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Investigation:
To investigate and obtain, interpret, and evaluate relevant data to present to the Court in reports so that the Court might be as informed as possible when making dispositions and other decisions relevant to the cases of offenders.
*May include (not limited to) depending upon caseload responsibilities:

• Conduct interviews of the offender, victims, and collateral persons to obtain necessary background information.
• Obtain prior history information about the offender that may be available in human services files, psychological evaluations, chemical evaluations, criminal records, placement records, etc.
• Respond to requests by Court and County Attorney to review and interpret prior record information.
• Refer offenders for supplemental evaluation when ordered by the Court or deemed necessary (i.e. mental health, psychiatric, diagnostic placement, chemical dependency, psychosexual, gambling, abuse, etc.)
• Assess offender psychological, social, physical, emotional and behavioral needs based upon information obtained.
• Complete risk-needs assessments and pre-screen assessments on appropriate offenders and follow supervision standards policy and case management plans as necessary.
• Conduct mental health screens as required by statute and make referrals as appropriate.
• Consult with victim services, court personnel, and law enforcement when necessary.
• Submit pre-sentence/disposition investigations (PSI/PDI), Domestic Abuse Investigations (DAI), EJJ (Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction) Studies, certification studies, or any other court ordered reports with recommendations to the Court within established periods.
• Submit bail evaluations (MNPAT) to the Court on required offenses prior to the in-custody court hearings each day.
• Attend all sentencing, violation or other hearings when requested, coming prepared to testify regarding recommendations.
• Collect information to establish probable cause when it appears that a violation of probation has occurred.
• Submit written violation reports with recommended action.
• Attend all probation revocation (Morrissey) hearings with supporting documentation of alleged violation. Testify to the facts of the violation.
• Conduct transfer investigations and reports for Interstate Compact and/Intrastate cases.
• Other Duties as assigned by Director.

1. Senior Agent: Provide advanced investigative and diagnostic services. Work at this level represents a more difficult level of casework or group work services.

1. Career Agent: Provide the most advanced investigative and diagnostic services. Work at this level represents the highest and most difficult level of casework or group work services required.

1. Supervision:

To provide supervision to all adult and juvenile offenders assigned by the Court on misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor level cases to ensure adherence to the sentence/disposition imposed. Juvenile cases will include felony, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors and petty level cases. Supervise all pretrial supervision which includes felonies. Additionally, to assess public safety and determine appropriate responses which may include agent's discretion to arrest and detain. Lastly, to assess client needs and direct them to resources so they might make a satisfactory adjustment in society.
*May include (not limited to) depending upon caseload responsibilities:

• Inform each offender of his/her conditions of probation to ensure mutual understanding of his or her obligations to the court.
• Use of motivational interviewing to engage offender in positive change talk and reduce risk of recidivism.
• Review all case files assigned periodically to plan case activity, set goals to be accomplished and determine if the offender is in compliance with court orders, complete discharge reports and probation violation reports.
• Maintain well-organized case records and notes.
• Schedule appointments and meet with offenders based on the risk/needs of the offender, the community, and the severity of the crime.
• Conduct field contacts with offender at home, work, school, or in office as needed and per policy.
• Complete risk-needs pre-screen and assessments/re-assessments on appropriate offenders and follow supervision standards and case management plans and policies as necessary.
• Verify offender cooperation through collateral contacts including treatment providers, law enforcement, family members, victims, placement staff, social services, and schools.
• Monitor payment compliance for court ordered restitution, fines, and other fees.
• Document all contact pertaining to offenders.
• Implement and coordinate treatment plans, make referrals, attend staffing, and develop discharge plans.
• Perform drug and alcohol testing.
• Refer to court those offenders who fail to comply with their probation conditions by completing court reports such as probation violations.
• Attend Court as scheduled and required.
• Authorize Apprehension and Detention Orders to take clients into immediate custody when appropriate.
• Sanction or restructure probation when appropriate.
• Request warrants from the Court as needed.
• Address all emergencies involving offenders at the time they arise.
• Be on call, as available, 24-7. Respond to offender emergencies and law enforcement calls.
• Cover for other probation agents when needed.
• Follow all statutory mandates including victim communication, DNA collection, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by Director.

1. Senior Agent: Provide the full range of professional casework or group work services to juvenile and adult offenders so that complex cases and severe behavioral problem cases receive the level of casework or group work services required. Consult director or career agent on case management/supervisions. Must use the Integrated Principles of Evidence Based Practices (EBP).

1. Career Agent: Provide the most advanced casework to juvenile and adult offenders so that complex cases and severe behavioral problem cases receive the level of casework or group work services required. Consult director on case management/supervisions. Assume responsibilities for independent completion of difficult supervision or counseling cases including clients with severe behavioral problems. Provide EBP feedback and guidance to other agents on case management/supervision. Career agents' model EBP with offenders and case management.

1. Correctional Programming:

To initiate, develop, and maintain programs for the welfare of persons coming within the jurisdiction of the Court.
*May include (not limited to) depending upon caseload responsibilities:

• Diversion programming as an alternative to Court intervention.
• Supervision of other pre-trial conditions directed by the Court.
• Specialized caseloads or programs to address special needs of offenders.
• Educational programming for offenders such as Cognitive Skills and/or Driving with Care.
• Other such programming as may be needed.

1. Community Resource and Public Relations:

To acquire knowledge of services provided by local social services agencies and to participate in the development of additional services so offenders might be appropriately referred for assistance. To provide corrections information, advice and services to community residents so that they might be better understood and utilize corrections programs.
*May include (not limited to) depending upon caseload responsibilities:

• Maintain contact with local law enforcement and social services agencies.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other county jurisdictions and schools.
• Develop and maintain a positive and professional relationship with other community service agencies.
• Maintain knowledge of local resources and services provided.
• Provide information on corrections issues to community leaders, organizations, and agencies.
• Present programs to local school systems upon request.
• Serve as a member of boards, task forces, committees, etc., as appropriate.
• Provide appropriate written information and verbal presentation to interested citizens.
• Serve as a referral source for citizens who request information about community resources or the corrections field.
• Maintain contact with community service work sites to ensure continued cooperation for offenders completing community service work hours.

1. Administrative and Liaison Responsibilities for Department:

To prepare and maintain statistical data and reports so that the Probation Department is informed of caseload and agent activities. To act as an agency representative, as well as enhance personal growth and knowledge through participation in professional organizations.
*May include (not limited to) depending upon caseload responsibilities:

• Keep offender and case data in CSTS (Court Services Tracking System) current and accurate so that statistical reports can be run as needed.
• Attend probation unit meetings and training meetings.
• Submit biweekly time sheets and monthly mileage/expense claims in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain appropriate accountability, professionalism, and personnel policies.
• Identify and attend training that will enhance knowledge and assist in performing job responsibilities.
• Participate and act as an agency liaison in professional organizations.
• Participate in special projects or assignments as requested.
• Perform Officer of the Day duties per rotation.
• Abide by HIPPA regulations on and off duty.

1. Senior Agent: Assist in administrative tasks as assigned so that work is cooperatively completed and new ideas, policies and procedures are assured. Senior agents shall begin to serve in a leadership capacity, both mentoring new staff/interns, but by also serving on various departmental leadership committees. Assist in the training and development of Corrections Agents.

1. Career Agent: Assist in the training and development of Corrections Agents and Senior Agents. Assist in tasks as assigned so that work is cooperatively completed and new ideas, policies and procedures are assured. Shall provide consultation, mentoring and training to Agents and Senior Agents in assessment/supervision tasks. A Career Agent should be assigned as lead trainer within the training program and shall develop and update the training manual as necessary. Assist in developing and maintaining department policies. Assumes full supervisory responsibility on a temporary or emergency basis so that the unit continues to operate efficiently in the absence of the Director.

Additional Administrative Duties for Career Agents:

• TAC for Probation Department and DVS responsible party.
• CSTS & SSS Administrator.
• Grants responsible party (LCTS, Truancy, REAM, Caseload Workload).
• Policies and G drive responsibly party (training manuals, training staff and keeping polices updated and G drive current).
• Annual Report (Quarterly outcomes reports, log audits, expiration reports and Supervisor audits) and drafting annual report.
• ICOTS and INTRA state advisor.
• Participate on any state and or local committees for above responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Practical understanding of government politics.
• Ability to handle difficult caseloads while making independent decisions.
• Knowledge of state law, court rules and professional standards in the field of corrections.
• Knowledge of community resources available to assist delinquency prevention, control programs, and in the rehabilitation of offenders.
• Knowledge of corrections computer programs.
• Skills in effective interviewing and counseling.
• Above average verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to speak in public, testify in Court, and write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, co-workers, offenders and their families, other agency personnel, school personnel and the general public.

Desired Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and minimal experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
Senior Agent Promotion/Hiring Criteria:

• Completion of two years as Corrections Agent
• Possession of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a Human Services related field with emphasis on Corrections/Criminal Justice.
• Performance reviews that indicate the Agent fully meets standards for past two years.
• No written reprimands in the last twelve (12) months and no suspensions or greater within last thirty-six (36) months.
• Must have met agency job-related training requirements.
• Satisfactory or excellent use of Integrated Principals of EBP (Motivational Interviewing, exploring risk areas and developing appropriate case management). Shows adequate completion of case management, risk assessments (LSCMI, LSI-R, DVI, and YLS) investigation reports (PSI, DAI, and PDI).
• An interview with the director.

Career Agent Promotion/Hiring Criteria:

• Completion of six years of experience as a Senior Agent.
• Completion of five years of experience as a Senior Agent with a master's degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Performance is required to be at the above satisfactory level overall for the three years prior to application.
• Demonstration of professional leadership and excellence as a Correction's Agent/Senior Agent.
• Participate in an oral interview with the Director of Probation and/or the assistance of an appropriate third party.
• No written reprimands within the last twenty-four (24) months and no suspensions or greater discipline within the last thirty-six (36) months prior to time of application.
• Excellent use of Integrated Principals of EBP (Motivational Interviewing, exploring risk areas and developing appropriate case management). Shows adequate completion of case management, risk assessments (LSCMI, LSI-R, DVI, and YLS) investigation reports (PSI, DAI, and PDI).
• Supervision of high risk and high-profile cases on pretrial and probation.
• Must have met agency job-related training requirements.
• Completion of a letter requesting to become a career agent and why, including information stating how they are effective in the use of EBP.

Special Qualifications
A 400-hour internship with the DOC or county court services/probation department
OR
Minimum of 400 hours work or volunteer experience as corrections agent, corrections
security caseworker, or in county court services/probation department.
OR
Two years' experience supervising offenders in a correctional environment.
Motivational Interviewing, Case Planning, LS/CMI, YLS/CMI and Cognitive Skills Education/training.
Training or Experience in Evidence Based Practices (EBP) such as cognitive behavioral programming.
Valid driver's license in the State of Minnesota.
Tools and Equipment Used
None.
Working Conditions
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands, physical agility, sensory requirements, and environmental exposures required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• This classification regularly involves physical agility requirements such as: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions and manual dexterity.
• Semi-sedentary work is performed both in and out of the office. Sitting and or standing for extended periods is necessary at times. Adequate mobility to move about in an office setting and in the field, including visits to homes, employers, treatment centers, schools, placement facilities, etc.
• Direct client monitoring could involve exposures to body fluids and persons behaviorally challenged. Adequate mobility in order to perform self-defense tactics as may be necessary.
• This position is responsible to report any accident or incident which results in property damage or personal injury to the employee or when such is witnessed by the employee. The position may encounter hostile clients in the office, courtroom, and community. Further, this position is responsible to report any hazards, which are known, and to recommend corrective action. This position is to comply with all Federal, State, County and Departmental safety and health rules, policies and procedures for which training has been provided.

Physical Exertion (Pounds)
Up to 10
Frequent
Up to 25
Frequent
Up to 50
Occasional
Up to 100
Seldom
100 or more
Seldom
Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview and/or reference check, background investigation, criminal history check, drug testing. Job related tests may be required of any applicant.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee as is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.