Adult Probation Officer Position -OPEN

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Adult Probation Officer- Problem Solving Court Officer

Salary: $43,000*                                                         Close Date: June 20th, 2022

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: *$43,000 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, completed Court Services application and complete an Illinois Courts Application  by June 20th, 2022.

COURT SERVICES APPLICATION-  file:///W:/Documents/Employment/Application%20for%20Employment-%20updated.pdf

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

**Interested applicants must submit a state application for probation and court services employment and be added to the hiring list, prior to interviews. This application and related instructions can be accessed at the Illinois Courts website:

 http:/www.illinoiscourts.gov/Administrative/forms/Probation/Employment/Probation-Court_Services_Employment-Promotion_Application.pdf



JOB DESCRIPTION: Problem Solving Court (PSC) COMMUNITY SUPERVISION PROBATION OFFICER

  • Completes the program screening of potential clients which would include, but not be limited to, completion of screening assessment/tools used by the Court, reviewing the participant handbook and answering all questions, and when appropriate, making a referral to the treatment provider for the substance abuse assessment.
  • Participates in all client staffing’s by preparing weekly progress reports and answering questions related to their clients.
  • Attends and participates in all court sessions.
  • Meets individually with each client based upon phase requirements.
  • Monitors treatment compliance.
  • Serves as the case manager in coordinating other services, such as housing, education, transportation, etc.
  • Conducts home visits based on phase requirements, as directed by the team, or by individual needs.
  • Attends all other PSC activities including, but not limited to, operational meetings, graduation ceremonies, alumni functions, and other participant events.
  • Participates in on-going continuing education.
  • Supervises clients for drug testing.
  • Establishes and maintains a client file, which will include, but not be limited to, court documents, clinical assessment, copies of sanction notices, client notes, etc.
  • Acts as a community spokesperson as requested.
  • Committed to serving on the PSC Team for a minimum of one year.
  • Advocates for incentives, sanctions, and therapeutic adjustments for participants.
  • In accordance with Section 8.1 of AOIC Revised Problem-Solving Court Standards, the probation officer will complete a case plan and shall provide a copy to PSC participants and team members.  The case plan shall be amended upon participant progress.

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:

  • A citizen of the United States.
  • A resident of the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of employment (the circuit courts may impose more restrictive employment requirement.)
  • Otherwise, generally qualified as provided by law or rule of the court.  Circuit court policy may establish more restrictive employment requirements.
  • 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:

  • 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Performs other duties as assigned or required.
  1. Demonstrates accountability, integrity and maturity in all aspects of the job.