level using an actuarial risk backssment tool and in turn identify the needs of the offender and match programming that will provide the competencies necessary to develop long term behavior change. Additionally, this position ensures that offenders are held accountable for their behaviors, while attending to the protection and safety of the community in which they live.
Probation/Parole officers hired after July 1, 2005 are required to obtain certification to carry a firearm through the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm and Training Commission within eighteen months from the date of hire or face disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Candidates for the position
shall undergo a psychological evaluation to determine fitness to carry a firearm prior to a formal job offer being made. Probation/Parole officer compensation is based upon years of service and job performance.
PO I is typically the entry level pay grade. PO II may be achieved after three years of service, PO III after eight years of service and PO IV after twelve years. All promotions require satisfactory performance ratings as outlined in the Probation Officer Performance Evaluation. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise offenders through a variety of contacts including office, home, field, employment, etc. Maintain collateral contacts with family, employers, victims, or pertinent others
regarding the offender. Contacts generally made during regular office and non-traditional hours.
Document all case-related contacts and generate reports when necessary in a timely fashion. Complete all other necessary paperwork as required and maintain progress reports on offenders. Accurately backss risk and needs and develop case plans that address needs while providing supervision at a level commensurate with risk. Refer offenders to treatment agencies as needed, become familiar with and maintain professional relationships with other agencies. Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to assist those under supervision to explore and resolve ambivalence and to increase motivation for change.
Utilize cognitive-behavioral group and individual interventions such as role plays and modeling to change behavior and build skills. Reward positive behavior as appropriate and address negative behavior through graduated responses. Develop familiarity with agencies and resources available to provide services to those under supervision and their families. Hold offenders accountable by monitoring drug testing results, participation with treatment, community service, compliance with electronic monitoring, and any other Court ordered obligations.
Issue warrants and assist with arrests of those in violation of the Court’s order. Represent the department in Court by presenting information and formally testifying when necessary. Participate in the apprehension and transportation of offenders not complying with the terms of their supervision, if trained to do so. Meet County Adult Probation & Parole Advisory Committee standards of 40 hours of training annually and assist in the development of new officers through mentoring. Provide intake services for newly sentenced offenders. Complete pre-sentencing reports as ordered by the Courts and calculate and submit sentencing guidelines as required by statute.
Conduct thorough and appropriate parole plans based on an offender’s risks and needs. Represent the probation office in the community through public speaking engagements. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree with at least 18 credits in a behavioral or social science. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and access to a vehicle for employment purposes. MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Working knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of investigation, supervision, and reporting in probation/parole work.
Familiarity with evidence-based practices and motivational interviewing techniques. Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written expressions in a clear and concise manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Knowledge of individual and group behavior as it pertains to criminal behavior, social dynamics, relationships, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol issues. Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when acting in the best interest of the community and the offender. Skill in the operation of computer software applications preferred.
Ability to converse in Spanish is not essential for all probation officers but preferred for those designated as having a Spanish-speaking caseload. Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to complete Control Tactics and TASER training and assist, when necessary, in the physical control of subjects that may be cooperative, resistant, and/or combative. Ability to complete firearms training and achieve and maintain certification to carry a firearm. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal office environment as well as meeting with offenders regularly in their homes and in the community during both traditional and non-traditional hours.
Work environment is stressful at times given the hectic workload and nature of the clientele. Some work may be performed in targeted high crime areas and as a result the environment could be dangerous. Risk factors include exposure to HIV, Hepatitis, and TB. Additionally, probation/parole officers face the threat of exposure to guns, knives, contaminated needles, and other weapons. Travel on a regular basis throughout Berks County providing supervision and occasionally outside of the County for training and institutional visits.
This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.
Law Enforcement & Security jobs encompass a range of positions dedicated to maintaining public safety and upholding the law. This sector includes the police force, detectives, security guards, correctional officers, and federal agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security. Key features of these roles often involve surveillance, crime investigation, public interaction, and the protection of property and individuals. Personnel in this field typically undergo rigorous training, must possess strong ethical standards, and have the capacity to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations. With a commitment to justice and community service, these jobs are crucial in fostering a safe and orderly society.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass a wide range of careers focused on upholding the law, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety. These professions include police officers, detectives, security guards, and cybersecurity specialists. Key features of these roles often involve crime prevention, investigation, emergency response, and the enforcement of legal statutes. Individuals in these positions typically possess strong ethical standards, analytical skills, and physical stamina. They may work in various settings, from urban streets to digital domains, requiring adaptability and continuous training to address evolving threats and maintain peace and order.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass a range of roles dedicated to maintaining public order, ensuring the safety of individuals, and protecting property. These positions, such as police officers, security guards, border patrol agents, and cyber security experts, are characterized by a commitment to uphold the law, an emphasis on vigilance and problem-solving, and often require physical fitness, strong communication skills, and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. This sector is pivotal for societal safety and often involves collaboration with community members and other emergency services.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass a range of roles dedicated to maintaining public order, ensuring the safety of individuals, and protecting property. These positions, such as police officers, security guards, border patrol agents, and cyber security experts, are characterized by a commitment to uphold the law, an emphasis on vigilance and problem-solving, and often require physical fitness, strong communication skills, and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. This sector is pivotal for societal safety and often involves collaboration with community members and other emergency services.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass various roles dedicated to maintaining public order, ensuring societal safety, and enforcing laws. Personnel in this field, such as police officers, detectives, security guards, and cybersecurity experts, are tasked with protection, investigation, surveillance, and crime prevention. Characterized by a strong ethical framework, the ability to respond to emergencies, and a commitment to upholding justice, these positions often require rigorous training, a keen sense of awareness, and a willingness to face risks. Notably, careers in this sector are essential for a functioning society and often involve working in shifts and being available during odd hours or in crisis situations.
Law Enforcement & Security jobs encompass a range of positions dedicated to maintaining public safety and upholding the law. This sector includes the police force, detectives, security guards, correctional officers, and federal agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security. Key features of these roles often involve surveillance, crime investigation, public interaction, and the protection of property and individuals. Personnel in this field typically undergo rigorous training, must possess strong ethical standards, and have the capacity to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations. With a commitment to justice and community service, these jobs are crucial in fostering a safe and orderly society.
Law Enforcement & Security jobs encompass a variety of roles dedicated to upholding laws, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety. These positions vary from police officers and detectives to security guards and private investigators. Key characteristics of these jobs include the need for strong critical thinking, integrity, physical fitness, and often, specialized training. Professionals in this field are typically responsible for responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, enforcing legal regulations, and maintaining order. The high-stakes nature of the work requires individuals who are disciplined, vigilant, and committed to justice.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass a wide range of careers focused on upholding the law, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety. These professions include police officers, detectives, security guards, and cybersecurity specialists. Key features of these roles often involve crime prevention, investigation, emergency response, and the enforcement of legal statutes. Individuals in these positions typically possess strong ethical standards, analytical skills, and physical stamina. They may work in various settings, from urban streets to digital domains, requiring adaptability and continuous training to address evolving threats and maintain peace and order.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass a wide range of careers focused on upholding the law, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety. These professions include police officers, detectives, security guards, and cybersecurity specialists. Key features of these roles often involve crime prevention, investigation, emergency response, and the enforcement of legal statutes. Individuals in these positions typically possess strong ethical standards, analytical skills, and physical stamina. They may work in various settings, from urban streets to digital domains, requiring adaptability and continuous training to address evolving threats and maintain peace and order.
Law Enforcement & Security jobs encompass a range of positions dedicated to maintaining public safety and upholding the law. This sector includes the police force, detectives, security guards, correctional officers, and federal agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security. Key features of these roles often involve surveillance, crime investigation, public interaction, and the protection of property and individuals. Personnel in this field typically undergo rigorous training, must possess strong ethical standards, and have the capacity to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations. With a commitment to justice and community service, these jobs are crucial in fostering a safe and orderly society.
Law Enforcement & Security jobs encompass a range of positions dedicated to maintaining public safety and upholding the law. This sector includes the police force, detectives, security guards, correctional officers, and federal agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security. Key features of these roles often involve surveillance, crime investigation, public interaction, and the protection of property and individuals. Personnel in this field typically undergo rigorous training, must possess strong ethical standards, and have the capacity to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations. With a commitment to justice and community service, these jobs are crucial in fostering a safe and orderly society.
Law Enforcement & Security Jobs encompass a range of roles dedicated to maintaining public order, ensuring the safety of individuals, and protecting property. These positions, such as police officers, security guards, border patrol agents, and cyber security experts, are characterized by a commitment to uphold the law, an emphasis on vigilance and problem-solving, and often require physical fitness, strong communication skills, and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. This sector is pivotal for societal safety and often involves collaboration with community members and other emergency services.
Law Enforcement & Security jobs encompass a range of positions dedicated to maintaining public order and safety. Individuals in this field often work for government agencies or private security firms, performing duties such as policing, investigations, surveillance, and asset protection. Key characteristics of these roles include a commitment to justice, adherence to legal and ethical standards, strong judgment skills, and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies. These professionals must be vigilant, possess physical fitness, and have strong interpersonal skills, as they often interact with the public and collaborate with other emergency response teams.
