Probation Officer

61^st JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Created by state law in 1968, the 61^stDistrict Court has a high-volume caseload. The court has jurisdiction within the City of Grand Rapids, the second largest city in the state and the largest in Kent County. The 61^stDistrict Court is comprised of six (6) elected judges, one (1) appointed attorney magistrate, and a dedicated support staff in the Clerk’s Office and Probation Department.. The 61^stDistrict Court Team is committed to providing excellent customer service to the public, and to ensuring the effective and impartial management of cases.

JOB SUMMARY
This is a responsible professional caseworker, providing client services in the Probation Department of the District Court of the City of Grand Rapids.
Work includes conducting presentence investigations or supervising the progress of individuals who have been accepted into and placed on probation. Work involves making responsible recommendations and reporting on the progress of clients. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of a higher-level probation official. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports, observation and analyses of results obtained.  

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
(These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary)

• Carries an assigned caseload of investigations.
• Formulates plans of probation and presents written and oral recommendations.
• Interviews clients, their families, victims, and interested individuals to determine the nature of the offense committed and the client’s employment, financial, and family situation for sentencing recommendations.
• Supervises cases involving probationers placed on probation by the Court.
• Recommends termination or extension of probation.
• Advises clients of available community resources and makes referrals as necessary.
• Cooperates with representatives from various social welfare and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest.
• Monitors clients in specialized programs dealing with such matters as substance abuse, domestic violence, sex offenses, shoplifting and the like.
• Confirms client’s participation and attendance as part of terms and conditions of probation.
• Refers clients and members or their families to organizations such as AA, Al-Anon, or other privately funded programs which can meet their needs.
• Perform drug detection, PBT testing and urinalysis tests.
• May facilitate groups for offenders.
• Appears and gives testimony in court regarding probation violations and similar matters.
• Composes and dictates petitions, correspondence, and case histories as required.
• Maintains client records.
• May coordinate the work of volunteers or student interns.
• May conduct substance screening interviews with clients using state approved testing methodologies.
• Dictates reports.
• Perform urinalysis tests.
• Maintain program records according to state licensing requirements.
• May work with victims and assailants in domestic assault or mentally ill/developmentally disabled cases.
• Informs victims of their rights.
• Interviews victims and assailants, make referrals to support services, witness management.
• May initiate restraining orders.
• Provides support for victims, provide short term counseling and/or group work, and make recommendations to the Court.
• Serves on various agency and community advisory boards and committees.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from a four year college or university with undergraduate work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or closely related field.

--AND--

• Two (2) years of experience in working with person convicted of felonies or misdemeanors or with persons with problems involving substance abuse. 

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience. 

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS

Officers performing substance abuse assessments must be Certified by the State of Michigan.  Officers performing assessments for mentally ill/developmentally disabled must by the State of Michigan as an M.S.W. or equivalent. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
KNOWLEDGE

• The principles and practices of probation work and of the related court procedures
• The various statutes and ordinances which govern probation
• Theories of addictions and abuse and methods of treatment
• The community resources which may be used to supplement the probationer's rehabilitation plan
• Professional probation objectives

SKILLS

• Analyze and evaluate investigative materials
• Identify and use available resources and services in connection with the client's rehabilitation plan
• Recommend and implement effective probation service methods
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Operate a photocopier, facsimile machine, printer and computer

ABILITIES

• Work constructively within an agency and in community settings
• Work effectively with hostile clients
• Work under pressure and tight deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, service providers, other employees and the public

HOW TO APPLY

To be assured consideration, applicants must apply online and submit the following: 

• A cover letter, addressed to Eric F. Cyman, Court Administrator
• A detailed resume.
• Three (3) professional references.