COMMUNITY SUPERVISION OFFICER

Position Summary

POSITION SUMMARY:
Perform all functions necessary to supervise and maintain records of offenders through pre-sentence status to monitoring compliance of court ordered conditions of probation utilizing evidence-based theories and practices.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides responsible supervision to assigned clients to ensure compliance with court ordered conditions / Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with CSCD policies and procedure and TDCJ-CJAD Standards
• Reviews and clarifies community supervision conditions as set forth by the court
• Conducts interviews and assessments to determine appropriate supervision levels / Maintains accurate levels of supervision throughout the period of community supervision
• Develops individualized supervision and case plans
• Utilizes evidence-based supervision strategies to address criminogenic needs / Makes referrals to effective programs/services to facilitate behavioral changes,reduce recidivism, andencourage pro-social, law abiding behavior
• Takes swift and appropriate action for non-compliance with court ordered conditions, including completion of Violation Report Worksheets and/or recommending action in accordance with established procedures and progressive sanctions in response to probation violations
• Provides Court testimony when required
• Monitors progress and compliance through regular interviews during office reports, collateral contacts and field interaction at probationer's and/or defendant's residence and other locations
• Maintains and documents accurate case files through significant documentation, data entry, and scanning in the CSCD's computerized client case management system
• Collects urine samples for purposes of substance abuse monitoring, according to established policies and procedures
• Provides coverage for absent co-workers when required
• Attends scheduled team and staff meetings
• Meets CSCD and TDCJ-CJAD Standards on audits
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required
• Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned by assigned Staff Operations Manager, Deputy Director and/or CSCD Director

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:
Required:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree conferred by an institution of higher education. Degree accreditation by an organization recognized by the Higher Texas Education Coordinating Board. (Preferred degree in one of the following; Criminology, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Counseling, Human Services Development, Law, Pre-Law, Public Administration, Rehabilitative studies, Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology. Or: One year of Graduate School studies in one of the above listed study disciplines, (one-year graduate study is at least 18-graduate level accredited hours completed).
• Unless currently certified or exempt from certification, must complete community supervision officer certification coursework and successfully pass written examination within the first twelve months of his/her employment.

• Effective interpersonal skills in dealing with offenders, public, and co-workers
• Excellent oral and written communication/presentations skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to use sound analytical reasoning to solve difficult or complex problems
• Documented willingness to work and to exceed minimum expectations
• Ability and means to travel as needed
• Willingness to adhere to policies of the CSCD and support the CSCD Administration despite pressure exerted by others
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Ability to cooperate and collaborate with others of diverse backgrounds, cultures, or interests
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with and emphasizes the CSCD's Mission, Vision, and Values
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Must provide proof of current automobile liability insurance
• Must have a working and reliable vehicle

• Fluent Spanish speaking skills

Supplemental Information

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Works indoors and outdoors
• Works in the community conducting field work to include high crime areas of the county
• Conducts face-to-face visits with inmates in County Jail and Residential Facilities to include transporting probationers
• Comes in contact with criminal courts, courthouse personnel, law enforcement and community agencies
• Works with individuals who are on supervision for felony and/or misdemeanor offenses
• Requires a 40-hour week (Monday through Friday) under potentially stressful conditions (This position may be required to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the CSCD.)

• Reading procedures, policies, standards, case files, reports, etc.
• Driving personal automobile, reading, bending, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, speaking, hearing, lifting case files, significant computer data entry, ability to manage stress in meeting deadlines and change, and other physical efforts as required.
• The duties of a Community Supervision Officer include office and field work, which both require the supervision of criminal offenders who may present physical danger to the officer and to the public. In the supervision of these offenders, essential duties require moderate to arduous physical exertion, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity and coordination, and use of self-defense tactics. Because a Community Supervision Officer must effectively deal with the possibility of physical altercations and is subject to moderate to arduous physical exertion, applicants must be physically capable. Field work requires wearing a protective vest that weighs approximately 3 - 5 lbs. Office work requires prolonged periods of sitting and standing, moderate lifting, and walking. Both field work and office work are required of all Community Supervision Officers, and both are essential functions of the job.

McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.