JOB TITLE: Probation Officer

REPORTS TO: District Division Manager

SUMMARY:

Conducts pre-sentence investigations and recommends appropriate sentence to the court. Monitors probationers compliance with terms and conditions of probation. May serve as magistrate.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(An * denotes duties or responsibilities judged to be “essential job functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA)

  • Conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes reviewing arrest reports, driving records, criminal history, employment records and other pertinent information regarding individuals awaiting sentencing. Also interviews defendants, family, employers, complainant, law enforcement authorities and others pertinent to the case.*
  • Assesses information gathered during pre-sentence investigations and recommends the most appropriate sentence, including treatment plans and terms and conditions of probation, to the court.*
  • Monitors supervision of probationers. Assists staff with supervision issues and problems, including initiating modification of sentencing sanctions and treatment referrals.*
  • Reviews probation non-compliance reports, discusses non-compliance cases with staff, and determines appropriate reaction, including probation violation proceedings.*
  • Authorizes initiation of probation violation proceedings, including issuance of show cause notices. Meets with probationers prior to show cause hearings to discuss violation issues and compliance terms and conditions.*
  • Appears in court to testify regarding sentencing recommendations and probation violation matters.*
  • Conducts substance abuse screenings using approved tests authorized by the court.*
  • May serve as magistrate and perform any or all of the following functions:
  • Accepts and examines criminal complaints and examines witnesses, as necessary, in order to determine probable cause for issuing arrest warrants as authorized by the prosecuting attorney.
  • Accepts and examines affidavits for search warrants from law enforcement officers, determines probable cause and issues search warrants as necessary.
  • Conducts first appearance arraignments in felony and misdemeanor matters.
  • Sets or denies bail in criminal matters based on seriousness of charge, likelihood of defendant's court appearance, and other relevant factors. Sets conditions for bond or commits defendants to jail in lieu of bail.
  • Conducts informal hearings in civil infraction matters; explaining the law and procedures to parties, hearing testimony, examining witnesses under oath, making findings of fact and conclusions of law, and assessing appropriate sanctions upon findings of responsibility.
  • May assist in all 46th Circuit Trial Court Divisions when necessary to meet the needs of the court.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.

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.