Probation Specialist

  • Job Code: W2934
  • Pay Grade:WJ
  • Pay Scale:$20.48-$33.85 Hourly; $42,598.40-$70,408.00 Annually
  • Exempt:No

Overview

Maintain accurate and complete records; monitor terms and conditions of probation; and guide and secure community resources for all probationers that are the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

  • Maintain accurate, detailed case management files on probationers.

  • Meet with approximately 8 to 10 scheduled probationers per day, provide services to unscheduled walk-ins from court, and cover other employees’ cases when they are absent.

  • Monitor each probationer’s unique probation requirements (e.g. professional counseling, mandatory meetings, classes, weekend jail time, community service, vehicle impoundments, collection of fees, restitution and costs, GPS, alcohol monitoring, random drug tests, monthly reporting, indigent screening, etc.) through regular meetings/interviews, phone contact, established goals, needs assessment and a developed case plan, database searches for new charges/violations, and documentation of progress as required by the court order; ensure all assigned probationers are following their terms and conditions of probation by providing orientation and clear and specific instructions regarding actions that must be taken.

  • Evaluate each probationer’s progress and recommend intensity of supervision based on observations from time of adjudication through the duration of the individual’s active probation.

  • Prepare warrants and notice of hearings.

  • Create reports for monthly statistics.

  • Respond to in-person/telephonic inquires, phone messages, emails, and letters from the general public and community resources regarding probation statuses providing answers based on information that is contained in the Sheriff's Office records and referring probationers to community resources.

  • Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Working knowledge of the Sheriff's Office and Department of Detention Services policies and procedures.

  • Working knowledge of the criminal justice and judicial system including terminology, processes, and procedures.

  • Working knowledge of community resources, employment programs, social agencies, or groups that may assist in probationer employment.

  • Working knowledge of customer service and general office policies, procedures, and practices.

  • Skill in the application of interviewing techniques.

  • Ability to handle cash and financial transactions.

  • Ability to generate accurate case files, computations, and verification of data.

  • Ability to handle confidential information.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

  • Ability to testify in court and provide relevant information.

  • Ability to multi-task and work on multiple cases/projects simultaneously.

  • Ability to work effectively with others to include probationers under challenging conditions.

  • Ability to use a computer, scanner, electronic signature pad, and related software.

Minimum Education & Experience

  • A high school diploma or possession of a GED certificate.

  • Four years of clerical and/or customer service experience.

OR

  • An associate's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

  • Two years of clerical and/or customer service experience.

OR

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a major in social work, criminal justice, behavioral sciences, or a related field.

Required Pre-Employment Testing

  • Completion of pre-employment testing.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.

  • Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.

  • No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff’s Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.

  • No illegal drug sale within lifetime.

  • No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.

  • No felony convictions within lifetime.

  • No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.

  • No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

  • Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.

Last updated: 3/31/2024