CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE:

Probation Officer / Substance Abuse Specialist

REPORTS TO:

Court Administrator (41)

DEPARTMENT:

Municipal Court

DIVISION:

Municipal Court 1310

JOB NO:

434

BAND/LEVEL:

GRADES NON-EXEMPT

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

FT/PT/SEASONAL:

Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Supervises a caseload of probation/parole and/or diversion defendants to ensure compliance with sentencing guidelines and court ordered requirements. Conducts professional assessment of persons charged with alcohol/drug offenses; conducts risk/needs assessments, provides expert testimony to the Municipal Court through written report with recommendations. Assists with speciality projects as assigned by the Supervisor, Court Services and Presiding Judge.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides direct supervision to defendants as set forth in sentencing guidelines or diversion agreement. Meets with defendants on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to ensure compliance regarding education, treatment, fines, jail and other requirements. Documents compliance.

Prepares motions for terminations and revocations for the prosecutor's office. Completes proper forms describing reasons (new charges, failure to report, non-compliance, positive drug screens, overdue fines, etc.) for terminations or revocations.

Completes required client closeout procedures, including completion of criminal history reports and preparation of the file for referral to the Court.

Provides expert testimony in court for prosecutors regarding program terminations or revocations. Submits written report to be presented at termination hearing. Serves as the Municipal Court representative at hearings.

Communicates -- via telephone, email, facsimile or written correspondence --with various community and out-of-area agencies, treatment centers, law enforcement agencies and other city departments regarding defendant's compliance with program and maintain continuous updates on individual cases.

Conducts on-site drug/alcohol tests to ensure compliance with treatment plans and maintains continuous updates on cases. Notifies defendant if test is positive and refers to outside lab for additional tests. Reports test results in client's file. Makes referrals to outside lab services as warranted.

Operates the hand-held preliminary breath test device when alcohol use is suspected. Refers those who test positive to court security.

Completes regular Criminal History reports on all active defendants to ensure compliance with supervision requirements.

Maintains ongoing documentation of all case activity in the Municipal Court case management system.

Administers approved substance abuse and/or risk needs assessment measures to clients for the purpose of making sentencing recommendations. Reviews criminal history report, and completes a personal history interview.

Evaluates test scores and analyzes all pertinent information for the purpose of determining the most appropriate course of action to be recommended. Reviews results with the client and formalizes a written report for the Court.

Makes appropriate treatment, education, and other resource referrals to clients based on evaluation. Uses an updated referral list for use in this process.

Conducts interviews and scores risk needs assessments as needed.

Perform any other duties as directed by supervisor or presiding Judge. Performs any other duties as required during emergency and/or incident operations.

The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or related field. Kansas Licensed Addiction Counselor through the (Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Boardâ€"(BSRB).

Access to the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) may be required, so the following KCJIS requirements apply: must be at least 18 years of age; must not have been convicted of a felony; must not have been convicted of a serious misdemeanor; and must not have an arrest history the nature and severity of which warrant disqualification.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one year experience working in probation, case management, substance abuse field or criminal justice related field.

Experience conducting substance abuse assessments.

Experience working as a Probation Officer and/or Court Services Officer is preferred.

Experience conducting risk/needs assessments preferred.

SKILLS:

Data entry.

Good oral and written communication skills.

Technical/Computer skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend program regulations.

Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.

Diplomacy and judgement.

Ability to organize files and effectively retrieve data.

Good listening skills.

Ability to work under distracting conditions.

Tact and diplomacy.

Carry out assignments through oral and written instructions.

Extended concentration skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Hand and eye coordination to input computer, calculator, typewriter and copy machine.

Visual stamina and acuity to review alphanumeric data and to spend long periods looking at computer screens.

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases.

Ability to test bodily fluids for evidence of alcohol or drug use.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

None.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.