Job Description
Description and Functions
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Come join The Wyoming Department of Corrections. The Field Services Division is hiring a full-time probation and parole agent for the Laramie location. This Division is responsible for the community supervision and case management of probationers and parolees. We are a progressive department that offers job variety and challenges our staff to help rehabilitate offenders into becoming law-abiding citizens. The Wyoming Department of Corrections contributes to public safety by accurately assessing offender risks and needs and then addressing those areas through effective case planning, meaningful intervention, positive reinforcements, and corrective action when necessary.
Human Resource Contact: 307-777-6136 / Deborah.Hale@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.
- Utilization and analysis of validated risk and needs assessments to determine appropriate supervision levels to aid in developing individual case planning goals.
- Collaboration between government and private entities to enhance case management and support and enhance client behavior for long-term change.
- Identify external and internal motivators of change through motivational interviewing and additional interviewing techniques to assist in case plan development.
- Understanding of intervention, incentives, and sanctions within the criminal justice system.
- Provides and utilizes appropriate intervention, incentives, and sanctions to achieve desired behaviors.
- Facilitate cognitive intervention groups with clients and alternative evidence-based cognitive interventions to provide knowledge and enhance client motivation.
- Maintain supervision standards to provide public safety and help offenders re-socialize and reintegrate into the community as law-abiding citizens.
- Maintain documentation of all case management collaborative efforts in a case management system
- Conduct visits with clients in the office, in their homes and places of employment, or in other locations to verify compliance and support positive behavior.
- Maintain supervision of a caseload of adult probationers and parolees, which includes supervision of misdemeanor and felony cases. To include but are not limited to alcohol or drug offenses, sex offenses, domestic violence, theft, burglary, and clients determined not guilty by reason of mental illness.
- Create a positive and collaborative environment for clients to gain the confidence to change their behavior in the long term.
- Maintain supervision standards to include documentation collateral contacts to promote public safety and client accountability.
- Collaboration with the Prison Division to investigate and offer guidance for a positive and effective reentry plan for inmates soon to be released into the community.
- Write reports to the Parole Board, Courts, or other stakeholders. These reports will require investigation, insight, and analysis with the assistance of various agencies, individuals, and assessments to determine risk level and appropriateness of supervision and various other recommendations.
- Interview, evaluate, and investigate the offender's background and criminal history to determine their risks and needs.
- Interview the victim for the purposes of presentence investigation reports determining restitution and recommendations to the Court. Additionally, contact victims for educational and safety purposes throughout the client's supervision. Creating a collaborative and trusting environment is essential.
Qualifications
PREFERENCES:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Administration of Justice with progressive work experience in Probation and Parole.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: case management practices, risk/need assessments, cognitive skills group facilitation, effective interpersonal communication strategies, conducting investigations, report writing, and understanding of the concepts of behavioral change.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system, department policies, and procedures
- Knowledge of human behavior, crisis behavior, substance use, abuse & addiction
- Knowledge of criminal and legal law
- Knowledge of procedures used in criminal justice agencies and cognitive behavior programs
- Knowledge of various computer software programs, Google and Microsoft
- Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with offenders and other professionals
- Ability to be a positive, pro-social role model for offenders
- Ability to exercise good judgment when making decisions in highly stressful situations
- Ability to analyze information from various sources
- Ability to interpret information received from risk/needs assessments and case planning tools
- Ability to engage others in innovative solutions
- Ability to create and implement new concepts and ideas and to motivate others
- Ability to learn and utilize various interviewing skills, such as Motivational Interviewing
- Skills in organization, time management, group facilitation, and problem-solving
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor's Degree (typically in Social Services)
Experience:
0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Adult Probation and Parole) with acquired knowledge at the level of an Interstate Compact Specialist
OR
Education & Experience Substitution:
3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Adult Probation and Parole) with acquired knowledge at the level of an Interstate Compact Specialist
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Physical requirements include lifting up to 20 pounds without assistance.
- Walking constantly
- May have to strike or punch with both arms on an occasional basis.
- Standing regularly, talking/hearing regularly.
- Visual ability to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
- Pushing/Pulling/Lifting/Grasping regularly.
- Typing/Repetitive motion.
- Visual ability to perform an activity includes analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive repetitive motion.
- May be exposed to infectious diseases.
- Required to function around offenders.
- May be exposed to mechanical or atmospheric hazards periodically.
- The position requires year-round travel, with non-traditional working hours early morning, night, and weekends.
NOTES: - FLSA: Non-Exempt
- The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
- Agents may be required to rotate to any caseloads within the Division, including, but not limited to, Community Corrections facilities, Intensive Supervision Programs, Sex Offenders, Drug Court, or a Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer.
- The Wyoming Department of Corrections is a Drug-Free Workplace. All staff is subject to drug testing while employed by the WDOC per WDOC policy. Successful applicants for employment must pass a background/reference check, and drug test prior to appointment.
- The Wyoming Department of Corrections is a Tobacco-Free Workplace. It prohibits the taking, carrying, possessing, or introducing of smoking materials, smokeless tobacco, or tobacco substitutes on or into WDOC facilities and grounds.
- The Wyoming Department of Correction is in compliance with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003. It is the policy and practice of WDOC to protect inmates/offenders from personal abuse, corporal punishment, personal injury, disease, property damage, harassment, and the elimination of prison rape.
- WDOC has a strict dress code policy to includes standards for facial hair, body art, and piercings/gauges. All applicants must meet the standards of this dress code to be considered for employment.
- The WDOC Field Services uses oleoresin capsicum (OC, pepper spray) as a force alternative. All employees will be directly exposed to OC during their initial training and may be required to carry OC.
- Candidate must complete defensive tactic skills Krav-Maga.
Supplemental Information
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
URL:
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Working for the State of Wyoming provides employees with a range of valuable benefits and offers a fulfilling career path. Employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, ensuring their well-being and that of their families. Additionally, the state offers multiple retirement plans, which provide financial security and stability for employees once their career in public services comes to an end. the state recognizes the importance of personal time and offers generous paid time off and flexible arrangements, allowing employees to recharge, take care of personal matters, and maintain a healthy work-life integration.
There are many benefits to living and working in Wyoming. Beautiful country with wide-open spaces, clean air, great recreational activities, and no State income tax to mention a few!
Click here to learn more!
Job Tags
Full time, Work experience placement, Trial period, Felony friendly, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work, Early shift,