QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Sciences and two years experience in a social services, law enforcement, or correctional employment. Or related experience meeting requirements outlined in MCA 44-4-30
- The ability to relate with offenders in firm, empathetic fashion and good interaction skills so as to be able to relate with referral agencies and to handle public relations responsibilities.
- Good writing and verbal skills and the ability to type 40 words per minute.
- Experience and demonstrated ability in records management.
- A current, valid Montana driver's license
PREFERRED:
- Working experience in a correctional system.
- Direct public relations experience.
- Experience in computer database management and word processing.
- Montana Law Enforcement Academy training as provided in 44-4-301 MCA. (Must obtain this training within one year of hire.)
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The current starting salary for the position is $20.00 per hour, although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background.
Anticipated Salary Increases in 2024:
Based on DOC funding expectations, it is anticipated all permanent staff as of applicable effective date can anticipate $1.00 increase in July 2024.
During the fall 2024 and based on agency financial status at the time, it can be anticipated for review of Cost of Living adjustment.
***Candidates who are POST certified will be considered at a higher rate of pay***
Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.
Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).
Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Overview:
The Misdemeanor Probation Officer is directly accountable to the Director of Community Programs (DOCP) of Alternatives, Inc.
The MPO shall monitor and clearly document all Misdemeanor Supervision functions of Alternatives, Inc. In so doing, he/she shall show professional judgment and adhere to Standard Operating Procedure. The MPO shall provide firm, fair, and consistent misdemeanor services in a team setting which is supportive of a crime-free lifestyle.
The MPO must be able to organize, manage time effectively, and keep records orderly and up to date. The MPO must exhibit skills necessary to work in a team environment with a positive attitude and be accountable to this job description.
General Requirements:
1. All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:
a. Employee Handbook
b. Standard Operating Procedures
Specific Duties:
- Monitor court mandates placed on the offender by the court.
- Act as a referral agent to offenders in need of assistance.
- Complete thorough intakes, documenting demographic, employment, identification information, and Court mandates on offenders in the agency database for misdemeanor probation and pre-trial supervision offenders. Complete Releases of Information, Risk Assessments, and Probation Contracts on each offender.
- Track and collect fees for all clients assigned. Work with referral sources regarding clients who have not paid fees. Utilize the indigency process as appropriate.
- Work closely with the DOCP and LAC to schedule Intervention Hearings for all Misdemeanor Probation clients that provide a positive UA or BA throughout their program.
- Provide court testimony regarding progress notes and/or an offender’s failure to comply with the conditions of probation, and make recommendations for future actions.
- Investigate alleged violations, and coordinate with the DOCP on reporting to referral sources.
- Coordinate the arrest and detention of an offender when it becomes necessary in order to protect the community and hold offenders accountable for serious violations of probation supervision. Contact the DOCP to obtain permission prior to proceeding with an arrest of an offender.
- Write reports of violation and affidavits of violation to the appropriate authorities as needed.
- Maintain risk assessed levels of supervision, and document appropriately a supervision plan and phases.
- Assist in the development of the supervision series of SOPs and create new 6 minute trainings as instructed.
- Complete cross-training in other procedures and processes of the Beta Jail Alternatives program.
- Coordinate the supervision of offenders in other Beta Alternatives programs, as well as community resources as necessary.
- Contact employers, trainers, teachers, and/or supervisors to verily the offenders’ attendance, pay scales, work schedules, and performances as appropriate.
- Keep accurate documentation and concise notes which address meetings held with offenders, community contacts made regarding offenders, urinalysis testing and breathalyzer testing conducted on offenders, and any instructions given to them.
- Assist in maintaining a referral mechanism with courts, and maintain a professional relationship with legal correctional services.
- Maintain documentation of all activities performed under established guidelines using the agency database, Total Offender Management (TOM).
- Complete certification in the use of the X26 Taser and maintain annual recertification.
- Complete treatment updates monthly on those offenders who are completing treatment with other agencies and document each update in TOM.
- Attend Court arraignments, open Court, hearings, and advisory meetings as requested by Referral Sources or DOCP.
- Act as Probation Officer after hours on call on a rotating schedule as determined by the DOCP.
