Job Description

Posting number: 27-11017

Department: CSCD Adult Probation

Job classification: CSCD PROBATION OFFICER IV

Posting type: Promotional

Categories: Court Administration

Summary

Provides expert level supervision to clients who have been placed on community supervision by the courts, enforces conditions of community supervision and monitors all aspects of casework related to the conditions of community supervision. Conducts initial and subsequent interviews with clients to assist in sentencing, explains conditions of community supervision, and assists clients in meeting terms of community supervision. Works under very limited supervision and has considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Supervises the work of others.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the final in a series of four probation-related job classifications within the Court Services job family. This classification provides supervision to clients who have been placed on community supervision by the courts. This classification typically functions as the more experienced officers in the unit who assist the Manager in overseeing the work of subordinate Probation Officers in addition to the normal range of duties. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department. This job is distinguishable from Probation Officer III in that Probation Officer IV requires very limited supervision; the incumbent has maximum latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and oversees the work of subordinate staff.

Examples of duties

• Conducts interviews with clients, investigates and examines information related to client's case, and prepares a report to facilitate the sentencing process.
• Conducts initial and subsequent interviews with clients, explaining conditions of community supervision as set forth by the courts. Develops supervision plans for clients and completes all required documents on newly probated clients.
• Interprets conditions of community supervision, monitors for compliance with conditions, and takes appropriate action for non-compliance.
• Maintains ongoing accurate level of supervision on all offenders.
• Monitors client's progress through regular interviews with client. Conducts field visits to client's home and other locations pertinent to client's case.
• Uses motivational interviewing techniques to assist in addressing criminogenic needs and to facilitate change in behavior to reduce recidivism.
• Documents all contacts with clients and all pertinent facts and events occurring in client's life, including issues of compliance and noncompliance. Documents collateral contacts, referrals, correspondence, and any and all other information pertinent to the progress or regress of the client.
• Assists clients with various referrals, including, but not limited to, counseling, treatment and job referrals.
• Ensures all money owed by client, as set forth in the conditions of community supervision, is collected and properly recorded.
• Trains, assigns and reviews work of lower level Probation Officers and staffs cases for staff. May supervise interns and volunteers assigned to the unit.
• Prepares legal documents and other reports for judges, attorneys and the court system as needed. Proofs legal reports of Probation Officers. May serve as liaison with court system on higher level departmental issues.
• Conducts urinalysis on clients as needed for purposes of substance abuse monitoring. May administer other substance abuse screening and assessment tools.
• Provides testimony in court, as required.
• Conducts audits of cases relating to exit audits, performance evaluations and any special audits as requested by administration.
• Conducts supervisory and administrative hearings.
• Assists manager with monitoring and documenting corrective actions in personnel matters
• Assists manager with administrative duties as needed for the day to day functioning of unit.
• Provides input into revising and updating policies and procedures.
• Collects statistical data and prepares reports, as required.
• May transport clients.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a directly related field AND five years' experience in TCCJS as an adult probation officer.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable community supervision services standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• Evidence Based Practices.
• Psychological concepts related to behavior change, criminal thinking and mental health.
• Casework techniques.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Training and reviewing the work of others.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Interviewing clients.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Conduct investigations and report results clearly, accurately and impartially.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.
• Deal effectively with clients with mental disorders and clients who are engaging in aggressive or hostile behavior.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges and the general public.

Supplemental information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-25 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to client and customer contact for extended periods of time.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday.

Location: This position may be required to report to any of Adult Probation’s physical locations listed below:

4011 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin TX

411 W 13th St, Austin TX

10409 Burnet Rd, Austin TX

502 E Highland Mall Blvd Ste 200 Austin TX

Department: CSCD Adult Probation

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: Antisha.Walley@traviscountytx.gov

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.