Facility Probation Officer at Scott County (MN) – Jordan, Minnesota

Facility Probation Officer
Location Jordan, MN
Time Type Full time
Job Requisition ID 26-0016

Hiring Range:

$33.68-$32.28

Full Pay Range:

$31.70 - $47.56

Job Summary:

Performs skilled professional corrections work monitoring juvenile residents in a 24/7, non-secure detention/residential facility. Oversees and controls security functions and implements gender specific therapeutic programming related to the care, custody, and well-being of resident through the principles of direct monitoring. The work involves an element of personal danger and physical exertion. The incumbent must be able to make independent decisions and exercise independent judgment in responding to emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintains the security, safety, and well-being of juveniles, the facility, and the public in accordance with Minnesota Department of Corrections Chapter 2960 Rules governing all youth residential programs. Follows federal and state statutes, constitutional standards, and Scott County policies and procedures. Manages and provides direct services to youth to monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions, Social Service placement plans, and to implement each resident's specific case plan; coordinates, participates in, and supervises youth program activities and community service or restorative projects.
• Promotes positive youth development by creating trusting relationships and using strength-based approaches with the residents. Provides quality evidence-based programming designed to meet the needs of youth, families, and the courts. Promotes an atmosphere of fair and objective staff and resident communication. Shares information with youth about programs and educational/social opportunities available at the facility; responds to questions, concerns, and emergencies in a timely manner.
• Enforces rules of conduct and rules of the facility; disciplines or initiates correcting action with youth as warranted by behavior and dictated by policy/law; documents and reports all such incidents.
• Monitors all program activities in the facility, communicates emergencies and alerts, controls movement of all people in the facility, monitors the alarm system, answers phones, and controls keys. Oversees, observes, and monitors resident behaviors, activities, and routines to ensure the safety of residents and staff; logs, records, and reports behaviors as observed.
• Performs intakes and orients new youth, issues clothing, secures property, informs and educates youth on rules of conduct within the facility, completes all necessary screenings and directs youth to their living area.
• Collects and maintains daily program activity data and resident follow-up. Manages and provides direct services to residents to monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions and to implement the case plans. Keeps records, writes reports, recommends programs and plans, interprets court orders and related information, and performs a variety of data entry and documentation tasks.
• Intervenes in emergency situations including assaultive behaviors, suicide attempts, and medical problems by enforcing rules, following procedures, responding to calls for assistance, obtaining additional assistance, etc.; administers first aid and CPR as needed and authorized.
• Transports youth and drives vehicles to/from court, medical appointments, other approved programming as needed in the performance of work responsibilities while maintaining security, control, and rules of conduct at all times.
• Administers youth medication, monitors inventory of resident medications, orders, re-orders, transfers prescriptions, and distributes medication as prescribed and authorized; keeps detailed records of such activity as policy dictates.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a Bachelors' degree within 6 months of hire and a valid driver's license at time of hire. Preference for experience working with youth in treatment, corrections, or probation environment. Evidence Based Practices trainings (Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Skills Groups) are desirable. CPR and first aid certifications are desirable.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Facility Program Supervisor. Work is routinely handled independently with the employee evaluating information and making decisions within established policies and standards. Work is reviewed for conformity with standards, policies, and procedures through conferences, written reports and objectives achieved. Employee's performance is reviewed annually by the Facility Program Supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and county statutes, rules, and regulations concerning corrections.
• Knowledge of constitutional rights related to detention and residential facilities.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.
• Knowledge of community and other resources available related to the issues of youth and juveniles in treatment/detention.
• Knowledge of social and economic problems related to facility residents.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of correctional case work and treatment.
• Knowledge of personality development, environmental factors, and situational aspects of human behavior which contribute to behavior patterns.
• Ability to organize information for court hearings and present evidence in court.
• Ability to analyze complex case situations and evaluate potential for improvement.
• Ability to independently investigate, supervise and counsel juvenile and offenders.
• Ability to motivate individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, employees, criminal justice agencies, and the public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed.
• Ability to deal tactfully with people during tense situations.
• Ability to effectively respond both physically and mentally at levels inherent in performing the position's essential duties.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a 24/7 residential/detention/treatment facility, outside on facility grounds, in school-based settings, and in various community settings. Duties involve ongoing contact, interaction, and supervision of juveniles in a residential facility. Juveniles may present behaviors such as hostility, anger, or aggression, and this position may be dangerous at such times. During the course of work, incumbent may be at risk for exposure to bodily fluids and the blood borne issues associated with them. Incumbents may be required to transport youth in their personal vehicle. Work may also involve physical contact with youth to restrain or subdue them when their behavior is out of control or threatening to others. Institutional work may involve working alone with groups of juveniles. Rotating shift-based evening, night, weekend, and holiday hours are required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to heavy work: Sitting, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, pushing, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, bending, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. Lifts or navigates up to 50 pounds when participating in project-based and sports-oriented activities with the youth. Lifts or navigates up to 75 pounds in emergency situations and/or when restraining a juvenile, when physical requirements are increased and more demanding in all areas listed.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include: a background investigation, physical exam, drug testing, and approval by the County Board.

Work Location:

Jordan, MN

A comprehensive benefits package is provided for all employees who work 20 hours per week or more. For detailed benefit information visit the Scott County Benefit Hub using this LINK