Probation Officer

Hendricks County Job Description Title: Probation Officer FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Hendricks County Probation Pay Band: Salary Scale set by IOCS Supervisor: 1). Assistant Chief Probation Officer 2. Chief Probation Officer Hours of Work: 35 hours/week, Monday-Friday PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Probation Officer provides supervision, case management, and monitoring for individuals under the authority of the Hendricks County Courts. The department assignment may be within Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation, Adult or Juvenile Home Detention, Pretrial Supervision, or another program operated by the Hendricks County Probation Department. The position supports public safety, victim assistance, compliance with court orders, behavior change, and reduced recidivism through the use of evidence-based practices, professional judgment, effective communication, and accurate documentation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Uses critical thinking and professional judgment to assess risk, needs, behavior, compliance, and appropriate case responses. Applies problem-solving skills to address barriers, respond to violations, support behavior change, and connect individuals with appropriate services or interventions. Demonstrates emotional intelligence when working with adults, juveniles, families, victims, court staff, law enforcement, treatment providers, attorneys, schools, and community partners.

Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally in person, by phone, in writing, in court, and through electronic communication. Prepares accurate, timely, and professional case notes, reports, court documents, recommendations, correspondence, and other required documentation. Supervises individuals assigned to adult or juvenile probation caseloads, or other department programs, in accordance with court orders, law, policy, and department expectations.

Monitors compliance with court orders and supervision conditions through office appointments, field contacts, home visits, drug and alcohol testing, referrals, record checks, electronic monitoring, and other supervision activities. Appears in court as needed to testify, provide recommendations, present case information, and assist the Court in making informed decisions.

Collaborates with courts, law enforcement, schools, treatment providers, families, victims, attorneys, and community agencies to support effective case management and public safety. Uses evidence-based practices, motivational interviewing, case planning, approved assessments, and appropriate interventions to promote positive behavior change and reduce recidivism.

Conducts criminal record checks and uses required systems, including IDACS, Odyssey, SRS, INcite, IRAS, IYAS and other department-approved platforms. Maintains confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all duties and interactions. Adheres to all applicable Indiana statutes, court orders, state requirements, certification standards, department policies, and procedure manuals.

Assists and cooperates with Hendricks County Courts, Home Detention, Work Release, other County departments, and outside agencies when needed. Adapts to changing department needs, caseload assignments, program responsibilities, policies, procedures, and court expectations. Demonstrates reliability, flexibility, and sound decision-making when assigned to positions that may require being on call outside normal business hours.

Applies teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills when assisting with additional department needs, special assignments, or other duties as assigned. the Department in a professional manner during any secondary, field-based, after-hours, or support-related responsibilities. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Carrying a handgun and qualify in compliance with Sheriff Department guidelines.

Operate County vehicles in accordance with the laws of Indiana Performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to employment, preferably in criminal justice, social sciences, or a related field. Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to obtain, maintain, and comply with all certifications, trainings, and continuing education required for the assigned position.

Must be capable of pursuing and obtaining required certifications, including Probation Officer certification, IRAS certification, IDACS certification, CSAMS or Professional Status certification, and any other certifications required by the Indiana Office of Court Services, Indiana State Police, the Courts, or the Department.

Must demonstrate the ability to learn, understand, and apply Indiana statutes, court orders, department policies, evidence-based practices, and supervision standards. Must be capable of using required technology and case management systems, including Odyssey, SRS, INcite, Windows-based programs, and other systems used by the Department.

Must demonstrate strong communication, writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Must demonstrate professionalism, emotional intelligence, confidentiality, and the ability to work effectively with clients, families, victims, court staff, attorneys, law enforcement, treatment providers, coworkers, and the public.

Must be capable of managing changing priorities, working independently, and safely responding to difficult, emotional, intoxicated, mentally ill, or potentially violent individuals. RESPONSIBILITY: This position requires broad knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to apply evidence-based practices to individualized situations.

Work is complex and requires critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make sound decisions with limited direct supervision. Probation Officers must be able to prioritize work, manage caseload responsibilities, follow court and department expectations, and adjust to changing circumstances.

The position requires the ability to interpret policies, laws, court orders, assessment information, and case facts in order to make appropriate recommendations and supervision decisions. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: The Probation Officer must maintain effective working relationships with fellow Probation Department staff, the Courts, law enforcement, attorneys, treatment providers, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse agencies, other County offices, families, victims, and the general public.

The position requires professionalism, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, integrity, trustworthiness, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals in difficult, stressful, or sensitive situations. The Probation Officer must respect and maintain confidentiality in all matters before the Department. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in an office environment, in court, in the field, and in other locations as required.

The position may involve contact with individuals who are upset, intoxicated, mentally ill, non-compliant, or potentially violent. The nature of the work carries the risk of serious physical injury or death caused by people, animals, field conditions, or other safety concerns. The employee must be able to use sound judgment, follow safety protocols, and respond appropriately to potentially unsafe situations.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT The job description for the position of Probation Officer for the Probation Department describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined? Yes______ No______ _______________________________________________ ________________ Applicant/Employee signature Date _______________________________________________ Print or Type name