Probation

Adult Probation Officer

Position Summary

Duties for this position include serving the Court through the supervision of offenders such as conducting home visits and other fieldwork, report writing, court testimony, on-call assignments, drug testing, as well as other duties including those mandated by the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Abilities needed include developing competency in the duties of a probation officer; gaining a working knowledge of the criminal justice system; demonstrating strong organizational, writing and computer skills; exhibiting skills to work well with a wide array of people including offenders and their families, victims of crime, co-workers, court personnel and law enforcement, as well as, members of the community.

Qualities being sought are integrity, professionalism, dependability, confidentiality, flexibility, and a willingness to learn new skills.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; preferably with major course work in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or related social/human services field.

Compensation: *$43,645 consideration for prior related job experience will be made when possible.

Probationary Period: Six months.

The applicant selected must adhere to the Model Code of Professional Conduct for Illinois Probation/Court Services employees set forth by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

Those interested must submit a cover letter, resume and completed Ogle County application by November 1, 2023.

Submissions should be directed to: Cindy Bergstrom, Director of Court Services, Ogle County Judicial Center, 106 S. 5^th Street, Suite 100, Oregon, IL 61061

**In addition, interested applicants must submit a state application for probation and court services employment and be added to the state hiring list, prior to interviews. This application and related instructions can be accessed on the attached link for 'COURT SERVICES APPLICATION.'

JOB DESCRIPTION: Probation Officer

Pursuant to the provisions of 730 ILCS 110/15, and in keeping with the guidelines of the AOIC, the following requirements apply:

Any person employed by Illinois probation and court services departments shall be:

1. A citizen of the United States.
2. A resident of the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of employment (the circuit courts may impose more restrictive employment requirement.)
3. Otherwise, generally qualified as provided by law or rule of the court.  Circuit court policy may establish more restrictive employment requirements.
4. Have an automobile along with appropriate driver’s license, insurance, and a telephone.

Non-Supervisory Personnel

Any person employed in a non-management, non-supervisor (e.g., a pretrial, probation or detention officer) shall have:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course works in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, or related social science.

“Non-Supervisory” personnel are defined as a probation or court services officer with no professional staff under his or her administrative direction or control.

This position is under the direct supervision of the Unit Supervisor.  The Probation Officer, depending upon the position and duties assigned, may be responsible for performing the following services; pretrial, intake, pre-sentence investigations, electronic monitoring, public service work, probation supervision or specialty court duties.

This includes the gathering of information, preparation of case files, preparation of reports for the Court and other agencies, monitoring clients’ activities, providing testimony in court when necessary and monitoring the collection of court ordered monies.

The Probation Officer in this unit works closely with the Judiciary, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the jail, all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies along with a number of other criminal justice personnel and social service treatment programs.  Probation officers should develop a good working knowledge of social services available for clients at both the local and state level.  The Probation Officer will perform additional duties as assigned.  As assigned, probation officers are on call and responsible to provide intervention or emergency services outside normal working hours (i.e. Drug Court or scheduled on call).

Significant Responsibilities: Requires ability to interview, evaluate information and make reasonable decisions; requires ability to maintain accurate records and files; requires ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; requires ability to understand the unique problems of offenders; requires patience and the ability to cope with stressful situation; requires ability to establish and maintain satisfactory/professional working relationships with staff, probationers, the Court, criminal justice personnel and the public.

Illustrative Examples of Work:

1. Provides supervision to probationers; provides supportive assistance on emotional, mental health, family, educational, financial, employment, or other related issues; identifies current and potential problem areas which may necessitate attention and ascertains an appropriate supervision plan; conduct office interviews of probationers; conducts field work visits, investigations, crisis prevention and staffing of clients.
2. Interviews Offenders, obtaining information about present and any past offenses, social history and other pertinent facts; performs other investigative functions, obtaining and/or attempting to verify information; provides and produces reports and appears at hearings to answer questions and provide information.
3. Prepares written presentence reports on clients referred by the Court; provides information to the presiding judge concerning disposition for optimal treatment of offenders; collects and evaluates information from a variety of sources.
4. Prepares and maintains appropriate records and files for use and for dispensing to the courts and governmental agencies. These records and files may consist of automated records and hard copy records.
5. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
6. Demonstrates accountability, integrity and maturity in all aspects of the job.