CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:	Probation Officer	POSITION NUMBER(S):	1278, 2786
DEPARTMENT:	District Court	GRADE:	708
DIVISION:	Criminal	FLSA STATUS:	Non-Exempt
SECTION/UNIT		UNION ELIGIBLE:	No
REPORTS TO:	Probation Officer - Senior	EEO CATEGORY:	Professionals
		EPAS JOB FAMILY:	1

 

 

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

 

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Designs and monitors corrective action plans and programs for Criminal Court probationers; provides court security.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.         Protects the courtroom from violence and interruption and maintains general order in the court; provides adequate security in transporting prisoners to and from holding cells, courtroom, and transportation vehicles.

 

2.         Organizes and distributes case materials, including affidavits, appearance agreements, arrest reports, bonds, and citations to appear, in proper docket order.

 

3.         Interviews defendants, their families and friends and conducts background investigations to determine the types of sentences and to create corrective action plans.

 

4.         Recommends fines, jail time, probation, community service and/or rehabilitation to the Judge at the defendant’s sentencing hearing; contacts local schools, shelters, or places of employment, and other resources to assist probationers with their rehabilitation, community service, and corrective action plans.

 

5.         Meets with probationers to monitor their progress and to counsel them regarding drug and alcohol abuse or financial and other personal matters; supervises defendants released from jail on lowered bonds due to overcrowding.

 

6.         Completes necessary probation revocation paperwork for individuals who violate the terms of their probation; testifies in court as required.

 

7.         Identifies defendants with drug abuse problems; recommends and performs random drug screening tests.

 

8.         Prepares and maintains confidential files, records, and legal documents; expunges records of defendants who successfully complete their probation.

 

9.         Operates a computer terminal to check local, state, and federal criminal records of defendants; update disposition of court hearings; and enter arrest reports.

 

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.         Announces opening and close of court, calls each person on the docket to appear before the Judge.

 

2.         Responds to citizen complaints regarding Criminal Court probation procedures; refers complex complaint to the Probation Officer - Senior.

 

3.         Serves on special state and local councils regarding the probation system.

 

4.         Provides caseload information and purchasing requirements to the Probation Officer - Senior to assist in the preparation of the Probation annual budget.

 

5.         Delivers speeches to schools and community organizations concerning the criminal justice system and alcohol and drug abuse programs in the court; provides information to the general public regarding court programs and services.

 

6.         Performs other related duties as required.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge of the guidelines governing the Criminal Justice probation system.

 

Knowledge of courtroom procedures and practices.

 

Knowledge of counseling methods and techniques.

 

Knowledge of probation revocation procedures.

 

Knowledge of drug screening practices and procedures.

 

Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and City ordinances.

 

Skill in the operation of a computer terminal.

 

Skill in the operation of an automatic transmission automobile.

 

Ability to interview defendants and conduct extensive background investigations.

 

Ability to develop corrective action plans for assigned probationers.

 

Ability to effectively counsel assigned probationers.

 

Ability to testify in court regarding probation principles and practices.

 

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

 

Ability to maintain confidential files and records.

 

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field, one (1) year of experience in probation, law enforcement, counseling, or a related area.  Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

 

Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.

 

Must possess certification as Specialized Police Personnel within one (1) year of employment, and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

The physical activities marked below are representative of those that will be required on a regular basis  to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

	YES	NO
work involves lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying 40 pounds or more	ü
work involves the operation of earth-moving equipment or commercial motor vehicles		ü
work involves the operation of non-commercial motor vehicles	ü
work involves the operation of tools such as axes, shovels, sling blades		ü
work involves the operation of motorized equipment such as chain saws, power saws, jackhammers, lawn mowers, tractors		ü
work involves stooping, bending, twisting, or reaching out in unusual positions	ü
work involves climbing or running		ü
works above ground or floor level, such as on stools or ladders		ü
works in a relatively high average degree of temperature over a long period of time		ü
work involves considerable physical exertion of the whole body over a long period of time		ü
work requires near vision (20 inches or less)	ü
work requires distance vision (20 feet or more)	ü
work involves detection of color differences	ü
work involves determination of the correct location of a sound, such as footsteps	ü
work involves hearing and understanding conversation or sounds	ü

 

 

Updated:    02/02

analyst        PPW