What are the responsibilities and job description for the Probation Officer position at Colorado Judicial Branch?
Probation Officer
POSITION INFORMATION
Job Code: R58000
Full Time Salary Range: $4,126.00 - $7,457.00
Click here for information on employee benefits.
MISSION STATEMENT
At the Colorado Judicial Department our mission is to provide a fair and impartial system of justice that:
- Protects constitutional and statutory rights and liberties
- Assures equal access
- Provides fair, timely and constructive resolution of cases
- Enhances public safety
- Supervises offenders
- Facilitates victim and community reparation
STATEMENT OF DUTIES
General Statement Of Duties:
Monitors, supervises and/or provides investigatory work of offenders ordered to probation in the Colorado Judicial Department.
Distinguishing Factors:
The Probation Officer classification is distinguished from other classifications by investigating, monitoring and or supervising various levels and types of offenders court ordered to probation.
Initially the officer will provide entry level probation officer work. Employees perform under close supervision and spend a considerable amount of time learning procedures and operations of the Probation Department and Courts. Employees at the entry level stage are required to participate in a series of Probation Academies which provides a foundation for work with more complex cases and offenders. During the first year of employment, probation officers will attend the Probation Academy, a 75 hour course designed to provide an overview of the Colorado court and criminal justice system and a detailed explanation of assessment and supervision skills needed to manage a caseload of offenders. Each successive year of training is intended to provide a probation officer with increased knowledge about the offenders that they work with and their duties as officers of the court. Employees will gradually be assigned more complex work, begin to work more independently and continue to improve their skill level. Officers are required to complete assigned Probation Academies or equivalent course work compared to academies in the first four to six years, continuously receive acceptable performance scores, learn all aspects of probation work including supervision and investigation and receive appropriate training and apprenticeship in a specialized caseload.
Within four years and no later than six years, officers will be expected to perform fully operational work, consistently assigned the most complex and difficult cases, work very independently, provide assistance to other Probation Officers and suggest new methods of improving probation services. An employee in this class must also have the necessary training, skills and ability to be assigned a specialized caseload at any time. After six years of employment Officers in this class must carry a caseload of 50% or more of maximum level supervision cases or the equivalent, and be capable of managing the full range of intake, assessment and report writing with a minimum full time workload value as established by the Division of Probation Services and through the Colorado Probation policy and standards, or a pro-rated workload value for part-time employees.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Thank you for your interest in this job posting. This posting is to create an eligibility list to fill current and anticipated vacancies. The Fourth Judicial District encompasses El Paso and Teller counties, and successful applicants may be assigned to cover Teller and/or El Paso Counties. Our primary office is located in downtown Colorado Springs, CO, and we have a satellite office in Woodland Park, CO. Successful applicants can anticipate offers at the lower end of the salary range.
We will only accept applications through the online application system. Electronic communication will be our primary method of contact. Please monitor the email address you provide with the online application. Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in place of a complete online application. Applicants are requested to list any special qualifications you have, to include supervision of specific caseloads or client populations.
The process will require a written exercise and an in-person interview prior to being selected. We intend to conduct interviews starting September 28, 2021, with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2021.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervises probationers; provides referrals to community resources.
Formulates case plans with the offender with the goal of establishing pro-social behavior and repairing the harm caused to the community and victim(s).
Motivates and manages the offenders probation period using a continuum of sanctions and incentives. When appropriate, recommends extension or termination of probation.
Conducts investigations and provides recommendations for sentencing to the court based on findings. Presents information verbally and in writing before the court.
Composes reports and memorandum.
Maintains current and accurate records and probation notes as established by department policy.
Some positions may serve as the only Probation Officer for the office, thereby, providing for all functions for the probation office including opening and closing the office for business hours.
Some positions may conduct field or home contacts.
Some positions may be required to travel.
Some positions may provide victim assistance.
Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.
Supervisor Responsibilities:
Responsible for one's own work product. Some positions may provide leadership, guidance, assistance, or mentorship to coworkers, volunteers, or interns. This may include scheduling of work, instructing in work methods, and reviewing work products for up to three other staff. Additionally, as a probation officer progresses professionally, they may be asked to provide training to other’s in their area of expertise.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university with major course work preferably in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or related field. Upon hire and as a condition of continued employment, the employee must:
Complete all Safety Training courses as per state policy.
Individuals assigned field supervision responsibilities must successfully complete the Officer Field Safety course as per state policy.
Complete Mandatory New Employee Training required by the Colorado Judicial Branch.
Complete the initial Probation Academy and subsequent academies in years two, three and four as established by the Division of Probation Services and through Colorado Probation policies and standards, and receive a grade of 75% or greater on all post-training exams.
Complete all other trainings as required by Colorado Probation policies and standards.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Individuals assigned field supervision responsibilities will be required to successfully complete the Defensive Tactics course as per state policy, and be able to engage in defensive skills maneuvers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Some positions may be required to travel.
Work Environment:
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. This position is subject to varying and unpredictable situations; may handle emergency or crisis situations; is subject to many interruptions; may handle multiple calls and inquiries simultaneously; and may occasionally handle absentee replacement on short notice.