PROBATION OFFICER (MINORITY GROUP SPECIALIST)
43050
Competitive
The work involves responsibility for the application of modern social work techniques in making social case studies of minority probationers and carrying out probation treatment. This position is similar to Probation Officer with the additional responsibility of identifying and relating to the specific problems encountered by minority probationers. The caseloads for these positions may, to a significant extent, be comprised of individuals who need special attention due to the socio-cultural environments from which they come. Incumbents of these positions may provide insight that could enhance and increase county probation departments’ special sensitivities, experiences and knowledge necessary to operate and to assist in the evaluation of local programs and service delivery to make them more responsive to the diverse and pluralistic populations which county probation departments serve. Assignments are received as cases from the Probation Supervisor or higher level professional and reviewed through conference and narrative status reports on the probationer’s re-adjustment in a guided environment. Supervision is exercised over Trainees, paraprofessionals and clerical support staff. Does related work as required.
Develops and maintains relationships with groups and organizations providing services to young ethnic minorities.
Supervises probationers and advises and assists them in their rehabilitation
Make probation investigations of persons coming before the courts to ascertain previous criminal and delinquent records, social history and physical, mental and psychiatric data.
Submits written reports of probation investigations to supervisor or directly to the court.
Interprets conditions of probation to probationers.
Enforces conditions of probation.
Reviews case histories to determine degree of adjustment and advisability of referral or court action.
Prepares reports and recommendations, such as, status of probationer, impact of department’s actions, decisions and requirements on service delivery to ethnic minorities, etc.
Maintains probation supervision and financial records.
May carry a firearm on some assignments.
Good knowledge of social casework and probation principles, practices and techniques, including interviewing, investigation, supervision, recordkeeping and case reporting.
Good knowledge of the laws and regulations covering probation.
Good knowledge of the habits, attitude and behavior patterns of delinquent persons.
Good knowledge of the trends and development in the correction field which apply to delivery of service to young adult ethnic minorities.
Ability to develop and maintain good relations with ethnic minority service providers and law enforcement agencies involved in the rehabilitation of delinquents.
Ability to analyze and evaluate data and to prepare reports.
Ability to deal effectively with people under emotional strain.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
Ability to inspire confidence and respect of individuals on probation.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Open Competitive:
Candidates must meet the established minimum qualifications for Probation Officer which are:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of counseling or casework in a recognized agency adhering to accepted standards in probation, parole, social services, psychology or medical social work, or a closely related field; or,
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master's degree in Social Work, Education, Administration, Law, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or a closely related field; or,
An equivalent combination of training and experience as set by the limits of (A) and (B)
CONCURRENT WITH OR IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROBATION OFFICER CANDIDATES MUST MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A Completion of a major course of study at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university in American Indian, African American or Hispanic Culture Studies which must have included a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester credit hours; or,
B Two (2) years of close cultural association experience with American Indians (1)*, African Americans or Hispanics (2)** or a work association in a criminal justice setting that requires advocacy for or interaction with American Indians, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and other minority ethnic groups.
(1)* Person having origins in the original people of North America and who has maintained cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.
(2)** Person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture other than European.
NOTE: “Close Cultural Association” is defined as involvement in cultural activities, or cultural groups, or participation in advocacy groups, or involvement in religious or political groups or organizations
NOTE: Work or volunteer experience that involves supervision or case management of minority persons is not considered a close cultural association for the purpose of meeting these minimum qualifications.
NOTE: Employees in this position will be required to successfully complete the NYS requirements for firearms training. At the discretion of the Commissioner of Probation, assignment to certain job duties will necessitate carrying a firearm in the execution of duties, while for certain other job duties the carrying of a firearm will be an option.
10/03 Revised