Probation Officer

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We were recently identified as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being. We have also received the Impact Award for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary :
Conducts pre-sentence investigations and prepares pre-sentence reports for the court containing sentencing recommendations. Supervises a caseload of probationers and monitors compliance with probation terms and conditions.

Starting Wage Range : $28.75 - $30.76 per hour, depending on previous experience, full-time position

Excellent Benefits Plan: Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date
- Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 premium)
- County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
- County-paid employee life insurance coverage
- County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
- Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 7% of your annual earnings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
- Generous PTO plan, including front-loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
- 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
- FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers

Responsibilities and Duties :

• Conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes reviewing arrest reports, driving records, criminal histories, employment records, and other pertinent information regarding individuals awaiting sentencing. Also interviews defendants, family, employer, complainant, law enforcement and school authorities and others as deemed necessary.
• Analyzes information obtained during pre-sentence investigations and prepares a pre-sentence report containing investigation findings, case, personal and criminal history, psychological assessments, treatment plan and recommended sentence.
• Provides orientation to newly assigned probationers explaining and interpreting terms and conditions of probation orders, court policies and procedures and consequences for non-compliance.
• Supervises an active probation caseload, which includes regular meetings with probationers to monitor compliance with probation terms and conditions, and with various detention programs.
• Refers probationers to community agencies for substance abuse assessment, counseling and treatment for substance abuse and/or emotional problems. Regularly communicates with these agencies to discuss cases, services, and probationer attendance and progress.
• Administers approved alcohol assessment and preliminary breath tests as required. Interprets alcohol assessment and substance abuse test results and determines treatment and sanction implications.
• Initiates probation violation procedures and amendments, such as probation extensions and discharges when determined appropriate. Also makes court appearances for sentencing and probation violation hearings to provide testimony as required.
• Monitors probationer payment records, notifies probationers of payment arrearages and failure to report, and initiates enforcement actions which may include probation violation petitions and bench warrants.
• Responds to inquiries from attorneys, probationers, law enforcement personnel, public and others. Provides case information, explains terms and conditions of probation, describes probation function, and explains court policies and procedures.•
• Responds to crisis situations involving probationers and determines most appropriate action.
• May serve as the court’s representative to area substance abuse, domestic assault, and other treatment related agencies.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, counseling or a closely-related field

Experience :

• Six months to one year case supervision experience in a court or closely related setting, which could include internships, orientation and/or on-the-job training in this position.

Certification / Licensure :

• Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) Credential CCJP-M within three (3) years, or other approved assessment certification to perform alcohol assessments at time of hire or within the first six months of employment.

Allegan County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. A copy of our EEO Utilization report is available on our website: