Probation and Parole Officer I

Recruitment #041720-MBEA01-380600

Summary Statement

This is the entry level.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Interviews offenders to obtain and verify personal, social and delinquent/criminal histories; evaluates information and offenders' attitude toward offense to determine community risk, frequency of client contact and identify needs.
     
  • Determines appropriate methods of addressing offender problems and needs based on nature and complexity of problems, offender's stability and available community resources.
     
  • Develops and implements case supervision/treatment plans outlining goals and objectives to be accomplished and the methods and techniques to be used.
     
  • Monitors offenders' activities to ensure compliance with the conditions of probation and parole through field visits, office appointments and telephone contact.
     
  • Investigates possible probation and parole violations; may request warrant for arrest, search or seizure; may assist law enforcement officials in executing warrant.
     
  • Attends hearings to answer questions, make recommendations and presents progress reports.
     
  • Prepares narrative reports describing probation/parole violations, progress, evaluations and recommendations for case disposition.
     
  • Prepares and updates a variety of records and files.
     
  • Contacts offenders and their families, the courts, Board of Parole, various state institutions, community resources, mental health facilities and employers to ensure that offenders comply with the conditions of probation and/or parole and that they receive services, e.g., drug counseling, employment and family counseling, and related services. 

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Probation and Parole Officer I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. At least 20 and ½ years of age.
  2. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Criminal Justice,  Law Enforcement, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services or related field.
  3. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

OR

  1. At least 20 and ½ years of age.
  2. At least 60 college credits.
  3. Knowledge of case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual's human service needs.
  4. Knowledge of behavior management which includes understanding, explaining, describing and predicting behavior, studying the connection between behavior and its causes and identifying appropriate behavior modification strategies for individual situations.
  5. Knowledge of interviewing which includes using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.
  6. Knowledge of narrative report writing.
  7. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

Prior to District Office assignment, candidates must successfully complete all phases of a thirteen-week Probation and Parole Officer basic training course.  This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employee Development Center.  Coursework includes physical, classwork, and hands-on training.  Instruction is provided in the areas of offender supervision, defensive tactics, legal issues, weapons, report writing, and emergency medical training.

The Basic Officers Training Course (BOTC) is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware State Approving Authority for the training of Veterans.

Employees in a Probation and Parole Officer (PO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a PO series classified position.   

Conditions of Hire

A satisfactory criminal background check, physical exam, and psychological assessment are required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency requires the applicant to pay for the physical examination as a part of the conditional offer of hire.

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization).  The candidate selected for this position shall be asked to join and pay dues to the labor organization or may decline joining the labor organization and not pay dues or a fee.  The labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work related purposes. 

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.