Probation Officer

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.

Prior to applying , you must log in as an EMPLOYEE and go to your Job Profile to your Career site and add at least one "Job History", and one "Work Experience". If you do not complete this step (prior to applying), you will get an Error on your application and you will not be able to submit your application.

PLEASE NOTE: if you add "Education" to your application, the system requires you to attach a document proving you have that education. HR understands that this is may or may not be a requirement for the specific job posting. As a workaround, please attach your resume in this section: OR do not list your education on the application, and the error will not appear.

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

Our Values:
•   Integrity
•   Common Sense
•   Innovation
•   Accountability Position Data:
Probation Officer-J23-U00-H

Regular

Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)

Overview:
Pay Range: $31.62 - $40.10 per hour (Non bargaining Pay Plan, C41 Step 1-13)
Hiring Range: $31.62 - $33.56 per hour (Non bargaining Pay Plan, C41 Step 1-4 DOQ)

Job Closing Date: April 3, 2025

There is a Probation Officer position open with Yakima County District Court- Grandview. This position plays a critical role in managing individuals under supervisions by conducting comprehensive assessments, creating individualized case plans, and providing ongoing support and monitoring clients ordered to report to Probation.

Main responsibilities include:

• Administering the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA)

• Utilizing the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) to evaluate risk levels and identify criminogenic needs, which guide case planning and interventions.

• Evaluating risk and needs using validated tools, ensuring accurate documentation and regular updates to assessments.

• Collaborating with individuals to develop customized case plans that address specific risks and needs, applying evidence-based practices to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

Benefits included in position:
-Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
-Retirement Benefits
-Paid Vacation
-Paid Holidays
-Paid Sick Leave

Note: This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

Perform initial and ongoing risk assessments using the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) to assess the offender's risk level and identify criminogenic needs determining the necessary level of supervision.

Evaluate the offender's readiness for change, particularly in relation to substance abuse or behavioral interventions, through the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Develop individualized case plans addressing the clients in overcoming barriers to compliance with supervision requirements and provide encouragement for behavioral change through rapport-building techniques and motivational interviewing. Coordinate with treatment programs, social service agencies, and other community service providers to support the client's rehabilitation and progress. Maintain communication with court administration, applicable law and justice partners, and legal professionals to ensure updates and probation compliance. Conducts random testing to confirm abstinence from alcohol and/ or drugs.

Maintains a system for monitoring the offenders' compliance with the court ordered conditions (i.e. compliance with treatment programs, reporting to probation officers, lawful behavior, payment of probation fees, court fines etc.)

Documents in case management system in detail every contact with offender, service providers, progress reports from treatment agencies and any other information acquired from the offender. Prepares legal and administrative documents necessary to carry out the delivery of quality probation services to offenders (i.e. releases of information, violation petitions, memos to the court providing updated information, correspondence to treatment agencies and others associated with the case plan etc.). Conducts pre-sentence and post-sentence evaluations for the court as directed. Testifies in court as required. Provides information related to client compliance with court ordered conditions (i.e. treatment requirements, attending victim impact panel, completion of driving class, community service etc.) to prosecutor, court personnel, defense attorneys and treatment providers.

Initiate and participate in case staffing with other probation officers and treatment providers to ensure a coordinated approach to case management. Responds to crisis situations making appropriate and timely referrals to ensure the client's continued compliance with probation requirements.

Conducts random urinalysis and PBT testing authorized by court order to monitor the client's compliance with substance-related conditions. Foster and maintain positive relationships with agencies and personal involved in the client's rehabilitation process.

Other duties required.

Education and Experience:

Must have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work or a related field.

Required:
•  Computer experience and proficiency with Word and Excel are required.
•  Valid WA State Driver's License and proof of insurance.
•  Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal / financial background investigation and general employment verification.
•  Successful completion of the Misdemeanant Probation Academy upon offer of employment
•  Certified in the administration of the ORAS RNR system
•  Ability to interact with adult offenders who may be hostile and/or angry and who sometimes present themselves at appointments under the influence of alcohol and/or mind/mood altering drugs. Preferred:
•  Bilingual in English/ Spanish
•  Previous work experience in case management and/or supervision of offenders in a probation department or similar agency (i.e. department of corrections, jail facility etc.) or equivalent.
•  Four years of professional experience as a probation/corrections case manager.
•  Completion of the Washington State Training Academy for Probation Officers. Equipment Used: Computer, calculator, printers, copier, fax machine, multi-line telephone, date stamp, scanner, and other common office equipment.

Working Conditions: This position is rated as Medium Work , exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects or work out in the field.

Environment: This position requires daily interaction with adult offenders clients who may be hostile and/or angry and who sometimes present themselves at appointments under the influence of alcohol and/or mind/mood altering drugs; exposure to bodily fluids obtained in standard drug testing. Duties are performed primarily in an office setting; however, the Probation Officer may be required to visit correctional facilities to conduct assessments for incarcerated individuals.

Physical Demands: bending, carrying, handling, lifting, pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, kneeling, hearing, talking, and visual acuity.

Intellectual Demands: ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate in conversations, ability to follow written and verbal instruction.

Knowledge:
•  Overall general understanding of the legal system, including legal terminology.
•  Office practices and procedures.
•  Grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
•  Data entry.
•  Customer service techniques.
•  File maintenance techniques.
•  General computer knowledge, including the use of word processing software.
•  Basic mathematics.
•  Phone etiquette.
•  Understanding of how the risk and need assessments inform case planning, supervision levels and intervention strategies.
•  Case management theories, practices and principles
•  Basic court system procedures
•  Understanding of rapport-building techniques that foster trust and cooperation between probation officers and clients.
•  Communication and interpersonal abilities.
•  Understanding of laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to probation and community supervision. Skills and Abilities:
•  Using a personal computer and related software applications and operating basic office equipment.
•  Collecting, compiling, organizing and maintaining information and notes of progress and compliance.
•  Flexibility to adjust approaches based on changing client needs and circumstances.
•  Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, and court officials.
•  Ability to build rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds click apply for full job details