Statewide Associate Probation Officer - Office of the Commissioner of Probation

Official Title: Statewide Associate Probation Officer - Office of the Commissioner of Probation

Pay Grade: N7

Salary Range: N7 Entry Level Pay $58,837.74 to Pay Range Maximum $85,929.74

Starting Pay: $58,837.74

Salary Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement with NAGE International Union, Local 5000. Pay may advance within the salary band per the CBA/MOU.

Departmental Mission Statement: Protecting and Building Safer, Healthier, Stronger Communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-probation-service

Notes:

• Statewide Posting: This posting is for Associate Probation Officer (APO) positions statewide and may be used for up to one year to fill vacancies at courts throughout the Commonwealth. During the application process, applicants will be asked to select the region(s) in which they are interested in being considered for employment. While the Trial Court may consider applicants for positions in other regions based on operational needs, applicants are encouraged to carefully review and select their preferred region(s). Please note that selected candidates will be assigned to a primary court location but may be required to travel to other courts within their assigned region based on operational needs.

• Resume Requirement: Applicants must upload a current resume to their PageUp profile during the application process to be considered for this position.

• This position is part of the NAGE bargaining unit.

Position Summary: Assists in the daily operations of the probation department, including completing pre-trial intake investigations and case specific intakes, documenting court activities, coverage at the counter of the probation office, and supervising certain case types such as administrative, pre-trial/conditions of release that do not have a condition of GPS or remote alcohol testing. Represents the probation department in court and provides information to judges and attorneys, records dispositions, and writes conditions of release or conditions of probation forms or any other forms required (with the exception of GPS and Remote Breath Alcohol enrollment and related forms).

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer or their designee.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Prepares cases for court, provides coverage at the counter and records conditions and dispositions in court;
• Oversees a caseload of various administrative case types such as administrative, pre-trial/conditions of release that do not have a condition of GPS or remote alcohol testing, takes corrective action as needed, and brings non-compliance to the attention of a supervisor;
• Completes intakes for indigency recommendations. Prepares arraignments information for the court;
• Writes conditions of release/conditions of probation if required;
• Provides probationers or defendants with referrals or information needed to comply with conditions related to their case (with the exception of GPS and Remote Breath Alcohol testing);
• Keeps track of community service completed by defendants;
• Under the direction of the (F)(A)(C)PO requests a warrant to be issued in court for offender non-compliance;
• Assists in the printing and distribution of SOAR and follows through with local office policy;
• May be assigned to a probation department within a courthouse and/or a specialized work unit such as the Administrative Supervision Unit or The Warrant Management Unit;
• Hired by Region and subject to assignment and travel to any of the specialized work units, District, Juvenile, Superior, Probate & Family or satellite courts associated with that region; and
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Competencies: 

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
Problem Solving: Assesses issues that arise and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.
Applied Knowledge: Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human services and/or criminal justice.
Team Building: Demonstrates a willingness to work in a team oriented environment, with a commitment to shared goals and accountabilities through the development of positive relationships, promoting a healthy work environment.
Collaboration: Demonstrates flexibility and openness to modifications and adaptations suitable to the situation; Receptive to diverse ideas while respecting other’s opinions and roles.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Minimum Requirements: Education and Experience
• Associate degree;
• Three (3) years of related work experience in human services, criminal justice or the Trial Court.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of:
• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software;
• Departmental and court policies and procedures;
• Court proceedings and terminology;
• Case Management Systems;
• MPS Policies and Standards and Trial Court Standards;
• Probation policies, protocol and forms;
• Conditions of release and conditions of probation.
Skill in:
• Organization and time management;
• Attention to detail.
Ability to:
• Establish effective working relationships with others;
• Prepare clear and accurate reports;
• Maintain appropriate records;
• Maintain confidentiality of information;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not require supervision of others.

Working Conditions: Work is only performed in office or similar indoor environments.
Work requires frequent exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds.

Physical Demands: This position requires light work:
Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly having to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for the Sedentary Work category and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated Light Work.