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Nature of Work
Under general supervision, performs work at
the beginning level, in investigating, counseling and providing
continuous supervision for adult or juvenile probationers or
parolees to assist in their social and personal adjustment. Work
involves close contact with potentially dangerous clients with
criminal backgrounds. Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Probation and Parole
Officer 1 is distinguished from other levels by the entry level
work in the investigation and supervision of probationers and
parolees.
Examples of Work
Investigates background histories of probationers or parolees;
reviews court files, police reports and other pertinent
reports to gather information concerning clients.
Investigates activities of probationers or parolees to
ascertain their level of readjustment to society.
Interviews clients' family members, friends, employers,
ministers and other persons concerned with clients'
readjustment to society.
Supervises and counsels probationers or parolees via office
visits, employment visits, telephone inquiries, community
contacts and correspondence.
Writes reports detailing clients' progress and other reports
as necessary.
Enforces rules, regulations and conditions of clients'
probation or parole.
Prepares correspondence and petitions as necessary.
Testifies in court concerning matters pertaining to clients
such as sentencing, trials, pleas and violations of
probation or parole conditions.
Contacts community resources to arrange services for
probationers or parolees for job development and other
services.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of social and psychological principles of human
behavior and environmental and cultural forces.
Knowledge of modern principles of criminology and penology.
Knowledge of community, social and economic resources for job
placement and employment possibilities.
Knowledge of probation and parole casework management and
interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system and corrections
process. Skill in the oral and written presentation of
factual material.
Ability to counsel probationers and parolees to aid in their
readjustment to society.
Ability to conduct interviews, assemble information and write
clear and concise reports.
Ability to work effectively with disturbed and maladjusted
individuals.
Ability to assess clients' potential behavior patterns.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relation
ships with probationers or parolees, co-workers, other
agency representatives and the general public.
Minimum Qualifications
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Training:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year
college or university in Business Administration, Public
Administration, Business Management, Management, Political
Science, Industrial Relations/Management, Organizational
Behavior/Management, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice,
Corrections, Social Work or closely related field.
Condition of Employment with Division of Corrections:
Firearms are to be distributed at the discretion of the
Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections
and anyone authorized to carry a firearm must successfully
complete a psychological evaluation prior to issuance.
Incumbents authorized to carry a firearm must meet annual
training requirements established through the West Virginia
Corrections Academy.
Established: 8/19/93
Revised: 5/5/03, 4/22/05
Effective:
4/22/05