Probation/Parole Officer 2

Community Based Corrections District 5 is seeking a Probation/Parole Officer 2

Hours: Schedule will be determined by supervisor due to maintain the efficiency of Governmental Operations. Flexible, 5, 8 hour days Monday-Friday between 7am and 8:30pm and one evening per week required. Group Facilitations will be required.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

Supervision/Case Management:

• Performs moderate to difficult professional casework involving predominately moderate-high-risk clients, utilizing behavioral techniques to assist in the development of problem solving skills, facilitating behavior change, role playing, providing positive reinforcements when appropriate, and instituting corrective measures through the effective use of disapproval.

• Proficiency and strict adherence to the use of a case management tool (DRAOR) and development of case plan/action plan with required updates and reassessments.

• Effectively communicates with clients explaining conditions of supervision, legal terms, legal documents, policies and procedures in a clear and understandable manner.

• Responds with a balanced approach (accountability and treatment) when issues arise, such as violating behaviors and/or community safety concerns, utilizing evidenced based practices.

• Consistently enforces procedures and monitors client behavior to ensure compliance with supervision.

• Holds clients accountable for rule violations or inappropriate behavior in an assertive, constructive and fair manner while maintaining a reasonable balance between treatment and corrective actions.

• Recognizes and responds to potentially dangerous acting out utilizing good verbal de-escalation skills and, if warranted, using the least amount of force necessary to gain control of the situation.

Approaches situations with the safety of all involved as the primary objective.

• Conducts and utilizes assessments that identify risk, need, and responsivity for the purpose of developing effective intervention strategies targeted at reducing recidivism. This may include a variety of risk and criminogenic needs assessments.

• Assesses or monitors for alcohol/drug use and utilize available technology in the performance of job duties.

• Travels to various work sites and participates in work activities such as training, court/administrative hearings, and other related community functions; May conduct home visits/home placement visits, and collaborates with employers and service providers.

Documentation:

• Prepares and presents accurate written and oral reports on clients for the courts, parole board, administrative hearings, in-house staffing, and outside agencies in compliance with established deadlines. Such reports may include presentence, probation/parole violation reports or reports for modification of supervision.

• Documents client-related contacts and strictly adheres to department policy and the Iowa Code as they relate to the confidentiality of records.

• Reviews the court order and aligns available resources to address expectations.

• Maintains case records for clients under supervision in the statewide Management

Information System ensuring the necessary documentation is timely and accurate.

• Verifies client financial matters, including income benefits, budgeting and payment of obligations (supervision fee, court fees, restitution, rent etc.).

Training and Facilitation:

• Attends all training relevant to position.

• Facilitates cognitive-behavioral or other evidence-based groups/interventions with effectiveness, proficiency, and fidelity and performs related work as required.

• Follows lesson plans, role models professional behavior and tends to classroom management.

Mentors and trains PPO 1's.

Multi-Disciplinary Team:

• As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the incumbent participates as an active member of the team to improve client outcomes consistent with change principles and department goals.

• Builds collaborative relationships with interested parties dealing with criminal justice matters (courts, law enforcement) and other community partners (service providers, employers).

What we offer:

• Team-oriented, positive work environment

• Excellent affordable benefit package

• Paid holidays plus vacation and sick time

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) retirement plan

• Optional retirement savings 457 plan with employer contributions

• Employee discount programs

Preferred characteristics and abilities:

• Self-driven

• Flexible and open to change

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Attention to detail

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to collaborate

• Positive attitude

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field.

• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in a human services or criminal justice field, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes 18 months of full-time work as a Probation/Parole Officer 1.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.