43120
Competitive
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for supervising the activities of a number of probation officers and/or trainees engaged in the investigation, reporting and supervision of probationers. Under the general supervision of a Principal Probation Officer, an employee in this class is responsible for the supervision and work output of a number of Probation Officers and/or trainees assigned to a unit or special project. Emphasis is on the supervisor’s direct responsibility for effective application of current principles and practices in the probation field. Some latitude of independent judgement is exercised in the implementation of professional expertise in handling probation cases. An employee in this class may be required to work variable hours including nights and weekends. Supervision is exercised over a number of professional and clerical staff. Does related work as required.
Plans, assigns and is immediately responsible for the work of probation officers and/or trainees.
Directly supervises the work of Probation Officers and/or trainees in performance of intake work, pre-sentence evaluations, program planning and/or supervision of probationers.
Consults with probation officers on individual cases and provides necessary instruction.
Assists in the interpretation of rules and procedures for the benefit of subordinate staff.
Shares the responsibility for developing efficient record-keeping systems and administrative procedures.
Confers with judges, court personnel, attorneys, police, educational and social agency personnel and various other groups and individuals on problems and other matters with which the probation agency is concerned.
Performs fieldwork independently and in support of other staff.
Oversees special projects in the area of probation research, study and development.
Helps to evaluate staff training needs and coordinates and/or conducts special training programs within the agency.
Participates on community boards/committees; participates in speaking engagements.
May carry a firearm on some assignments.
Good knowledge of modern principles and practices of probation work.
Good knowledge of principles underlying human behavior, growth end development.
Good knowledge of laws pertaining to probation and of functions and procedures of courts involved with the work of the agency.
Good knowledge of and skill in investigative, interviewing, case recording, and report preparation techniques as applied to probation work.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Good knowledge of community organization principles and practices.
Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of subordinates.
Ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of others.
Ability to work in cooperation with varying levels of staff.
Ability to work with diverse groups and individuals.
Ability to work “hands on” with teams having significant probationer contact.
Ability to work in the community.
Promotion:
Three (3) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Probation Officer, Probation Officer (Spanish Speaking) or Probation Officer (Minority Group Specialist).
Open Competitive:
Four (4) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a Probation Officer. Graduate work in social work, law, public administration, criminal justice, sociology or a closely related field may be substituted for the above experience on a year for year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.
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.
01/04 Revised