Parole Agent 2 - CRPA - Philadelphia Office/Specialized Division

THE POSITION

This is a professional position that coordinates reentry activities of reentrants, including those reentrants within specialized populations, entering communities who are under the supervision of the Department of Corrections Field Services.

Work Hours: This is a 40-hour workweek position with Agent Controlled hours..

Distribution: This posting is for Department of Corrections employees.

This position uses the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) to perform duties. The selected applicant will need to obtain and maintain a CLEAN certificate.
 
This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Develops, modifies, and conducts skill building activities (Carey Guides), parole orientation, and specialized workshops for reentrants on an individual and group basis.
 
Develops, liaisons, and networks with parole agents, community service providers, employers, education institutions, staff in correctional institutions, psychiatric facilities and after care agencies in order to develop training, supervision and treatment options for reentrants. Serves as the district resource person and coordinating point of contact for all treatment needs and community service programs.
 
Engages with newly opened community programs to determine their program direction and goals.
 
Works with community organizations to develop new and innovative approaches to addressing the problems created by substance abuse, lack of adequate housing and employment, etc.
 
Provides advice and guidance to parole agents, supervisors and managers pertaining to best practices and evidenced based supervision strategies.
 
Works with parole agents to make appropriate recommendations concerning supervision and treatment options.
 
Performs assessments on reentrants and ensures appropriate referrals to treatment are made.
 
Meets with reentrant’s family members individually or in group settings to educate them on the parole process and what to expect when the reentrant is released.
 
Encourages reentrants to cooperate in the recommended treatment/services and provides reassurance and support as needed.
 
Coordinates and maintains community service lists for reentrants who are required to complete community service.
 
Maintains a connection with Community Resource services in their district and assures agents are updated on available services.
 
Updates electronic record as required.
 
Attend reentry coalitions and CJAB meetings when available.
 
Participates in staff meetings and conducts in-service trainings, conferences and workshops.
 
Attends and participates in all mandatory annual trainings; and completes appropriate training hours each fiscal year.
 
Performs related work as required.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 1. With assistance, lift and carry reentrant to a vehicle in order to take the violator into custody.
 2. Without assistance, lift and carry reentrant to a vehicle in order to take the violator into custody.
 3. With assistance, confront and if necessary forcibly disarm an reentrant who is holding a weapon (e.g., knife, handgun, club, etc.).
 4. Without assistance, confront and if necessary forcibly disarm a reentrant who is holding a weapon (e.g., knife, handgun, club, etc.).
 5. With assistance, use body force to gain entrance and/or to exit through barriers (e.g., barricaded door, etc.).
 6. Without assistance, use body force to gain entrance and/or to exit through barriers (e.g., barricaded door, etc.).
 7. Without assistance (if circumstances warrant), physically take non-resisting reentrant into custody by restraining the reentrant using handcuffs, belt, and leg irons.
 8. With assistance, physically take a resisting reentrant into custody by holding and/or gripping wrist(s), arm(s), belt, etc. to restrain the reentrant using handcuffs, belt, and leg irons.
 9. Without assistance, physically take a resisting reentrant into custody by holding and/or gripping wrist(s), arm(s), belt, etc. to restrain the reentrant using handcuffs, belt, and leg irons.
10. With assistance, temporarily detain (hold/restrain) combative/assaultive persons (e.g., associates of reentrant) until an arrest or search is completed.
11. Without assistance, temporarily detain (hold/restrain) combative/assaultive persons (e.g., associates of reentrant) until an arrest or search is completed.
12. Bend and/or reach to conduct searches of the reentrant's person for items considered to be contraband/violations of conditions governing parole/probation.
13. Dodge airborne objects (e.g., bricks, bottles, stones, shoes, books, etc.).
14. During annual training, use defensive tactics (e.g., twists, turns, blocks, ducks, sidesteps, etc.) to evade punches, blows, and kicks from resisting or assaulting individuals.
15. On the job, use defensive tactics (such as twists, turns, blocks, ducks, sidesteps, etc.) to evade punches, blows, and kicks from resisting or assaulting individuals.
16. Quickly get into and/or out of a vehicle in response to an emergency situation.
17. Climb/jump over barriers (e.g., fences, walls, guardrails, etc.) to secure an reentrant who is trying to escape.
18. Install and activate electronic monitoring equipment (active system via ankle bracelets) to monitor reentrant's adherence to curfew/travel restrictions or as a sanction.
19. Bend/reach/climb/crawl/lift to conduct searches of the reentrant's approved residence or motor vehicle for items considered to be violations of conditions governing parole/probation.
20. Stand continuously for extended periods of time (e.g., during handgun range qualifications, during surveillances, etc.).
21. Walk up/down steps to visit reentrants or other parties, to conduct investigations, etc.
22. Under various environmental conditions, walk continuously for extended periods of time (e.g., to search for/make contact with reentrant, to conduct surveillance of reentrant, etc.).
23. Run over varied terrain (e.g., pavement, dirt, broken glass) in an attempt to arrest or secure a resisting reentrant.
24. Run up stairs or steep hills in an attempt to arrest or secure a resisting reentrant.
25. Run to evade an attacking dog.
26. Crawl under/through small spaces (e.g., crawl spaces, windows, attics, culverts, etc.) to secure an reentrant who is trying to escape.
27. Sit continuously for extended periods of time when driving or conducting surveillances.
28. Sit continuously for extended periods of time when attending courtroom hearings or working at a desk in the office.
29. Use a Board-issued handgun safely by loading, holstering, drawing, firing, unloading, and maintaining the firearm during firearms training and (if the agent chooses to carry a firearm) during qualifications (under various lighting conditions)
30. In a life-threatening situation (under various lighting conditions), draw and fire a board-issued handgun to protect self and/or others in the community (if the agent chooses to carry a firearm.)
31. Operate and maintain recording devices (e.g., tape recorder, Dictaphone) to document hearing proceedings.
32. Operate a computer to input and/or retrieve information (e.g., parole/probation/Department of Corrections, arrests, warrants, criminal history), and to generate documents such as reports, etc.
33. In the course of performing the job (at any time of the day or night and under various environmental conditions), operate a vehicle.
34. Prepare materials and documentation for various hearings (e.g., parole, probation, criminal, or civil).
35. Request subpoenas and/or deliver subpoenas to witnesses for upcoming hearings.
36. Complete fill-in forms to record and document information needed for administrative purposes (e.g., phone messages, receipts of parole fees and restitution, Monthly Mileage Reports, Vehicle Repair Estimates, written authorizations to release reentrants, etc.).
37. Write notes and reports containing short statements to document activities and events and to provide information (e.g., contraband confiscations, Pre-Parole Investigation Requests, Progress and Conduct Reports, Accident Reports, Written Instructions and Warnings, Activity Sheets, Field Book Notes, etc.).
38. Write correspondence and/or narrative reports containing factual information, observations, findings, and/or recommendations (e.g., letters, memos, Summarization Reports, Pre-Parole Plans, Arrest Reports, Presentence Investigation Reports, Witness statements, charges of violation of parole/probation, etc.).
39. Record and disseminate “Board Decisions” which may require an explanation of the decision to concerned parties (e.g. inmates).
40. Develop a pre-parole/parole/probation plan/report based on the reentrant’s case history (e.g., criminal and social history, behavior, etc.).
41. Monitor an reentrant’s conduct and activities by reviewing written reports (e.g. misconduct reports) from Department of Corrections staff or contracted staff (e.g., counseling services, health services, etc.).
42. Review documentation for semi-annual review of level of supervision, making recommendation to continue at current level or to change level of supervision.
43. Receive written information from various sources (e.g., Reentrant’s employer, relative, police, and correctional staff) indicating possible violation of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior and determine the need for further investigation.
44. Verify possible violation of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior by reviewing necessary records (e.g., arrest warrants, protection from abuse orders, work or treatment attendance records, etc.).
45. Read, understand, and comply with job-related rules, regulations, policies, and procedures (e.g., PBPP manual of operations and procedures, guidelines for summarization reports, etc.).
46. Read and understand reports such as urine test results, electronic monitoring system printouts, etc.
47. Determine from information obtained through discussion whether there has been a violation of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior and what action/notification should be taken, such as change in level of supervision, imposition of sanctions I parole/probation plans, arrest, etc.
48. Determine from information obtained through review of documents, etc. whether there has been a violation of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior and what action/notification should be taken, such as change in level of supervision, imposition of sanctions I parole/probation plans, arrest, etc.
49. Conducts special investigations (e.g., presentence, out-of-state, out-of-district, Pardon Board, institutional, etc.) by making an assessment of resources to meet the needs of the case and providing a case evaluation with recommendations for the court/judge to consider before sentencing. This involves the collection of legal and social history information about the reentrant from a variety of sources (e.g., educators, military personnel, law enforcement authorities, relatives, employers, financial personnel, etc.).
50. Conduct pre-parole investigations (i.e., home/employment plans).
51.I n preparation for attendance at a hearing, review documentation related to case history; contacts made with witnesses/concerned parties; charges of parole, probation, criminal, or security violations; and supporting evidence to become familiar with the case.
52. Schedule hearings in a timely manner consistent with Board policy and due process.
53. Maintain a chain of custody on evidence (e.g., drugs, weapons, etc.).
54. Ensure records remain updated and complete for future reference by filing hard copy documents.
55. Coordinate/request actions (e.g., drug screens, certification process, DNA samples, etc.) to facilitate reentrant’s timely release once parole has been granted or maximum sentencing date has expired.
56. Work with businesses, community groups, and officials to develop job opportunities for reentrants and to assure maximum utilization of resources in the community to further the rehabilitation of reentrants.
57. Calculate totals (e.g., add subtract, multiply) to summarize mileage, expenses, fees, and other data related to assignments and reentrants.
58. Meet with the reentrant to establish a casework relationship, to discuss the reentrant’s pre-parole/parole/probation plan and the process, and to provide information concerning the conditions of parole/probation.
59. Conduct parole education classes with inmates to familiarize them with the parole process, and to aid them in formulating parole plans.
60. During scheduled and unscheduled times (including early morning and late evening hours), monitor the reentrant’s conduct and activities by meeting with the reentrant in the agent’s office, at the reentrant’s home or place of employment, etc. to discuss the reentrant’s progress in adjustment, to identify problems, to answer questions, to provide guidance, and to determine whether the reentrant is complying with the conditions of parole/probation.
61. Make collateral contacts with a variety of people (the reentrant’s friends, relatives, and employer; institutional staff, legal staff, police, magistrate, bail agencies, and other public and private agency personnel) for a variety of purposes. For example: Determine the availability and appropriateness of treatment or service for the reentrant. Refer the reentrant to specialists for assistance in dealing with specialized problems such as drug, alcohol, mental health, etc. Discuss the reentrant’s progress in adjustment. Identify problems (e.g., new criminal charges).
62. Handle stressful situations that involve verbal abuse/hostility upon the agent or others which require the use of de-escalation skills.
63. Communicate by radio or telephone to receive and provide information (e.g., answer and route incoming telephone calls, take messages, coordinate arrests, etc.).
64.- Receive verbal information from various sources (e.g., reentrant’s employer, relative, police, and correctional staff) in person or over the phone indicating possible violations of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior and determine the need for further investigation.
65. Verify possible violations of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior by developing sources of information, interviewing concerned parties and determining their reliability, taking statements, and discussing the reentrant’s activities with others (e.g., employer, relative, police, correctional staff, etc.).
66. Meet with the reentrant to discuss findings and/or observations and to obtain statements concerning possible violation of parole/probation/Board/DOC policy or other unacceptable behavior in order to allow the reentrant to refute and/or explain such findings.
67. Exchange information (by phone, fax, mail, etc.) with law enforcement authorities/correctional staff concerning the reentrant’s past/current criminal activities.
68. Discuss investigation findings with supervisor to determine next appropriate action (e.g., change in the reentrant’s parole/probation plan, arrest, etc.).
69. While Serving as a member of an arrest team, use and receive verbal commands/directions via radio, cellular phone, etc.
70. While Serving as a member of an arrest team, use and receive verbal commands/directions via hand codes or signals.
71. Present oral and written evidence at legal proceedings (e.g., parole, probation, criminal, civil). Testify concisely and objectively.
72. Respond to cross examination relative to the purpose of the hearing.
73. Conduct cross examination relative to the purpose of the hearing.
74. Speak on behalf of the Board to community and civic groups and meet with community leaders to provide information on Board functions and goals.
75. While interviewing individuals or receiving instructions, hear conversations over the sound of background noises (e.g., machinery, traffic, or others yelling).
76. Conduct surveillance activities to monitor reentrant’s adherence to conditions of parole/probation, to search for/locate or apprehend an reentrant, etc.
77. Collect/request urine samples from reentrant for urinalysis to determine if the reentrant is using drugs/alcohol.
78. Respond to emergency situations involving the reentrant, at other than normal working hours (early mornings, evenings, and weekends) when notified by the answering service, the police, reentrant’s family, hospital personnel, and/or the agent’s supervisor, by taking appropriate action (e.g., telephone response, visit to the reentrant’s residence, etc.).
79. When seated next to an reentrant in rear of vehicle, twist to maintain surveillance on the reentrant.
80. During training, learn the proper use of Oleoresin Capsicum (short 1-2 second bursts) and become familiar with effects through direct contact.
81. When needed to maintain control of a resisting reentrant and/or to subdue an reentrant who is perceived to cause injury to him/herself and/or others, spray Oleoresin Capsicum in short 1-2 second bursts at the reentrant which could result in exposure to the agent.
82. After spraying Oleoresin Capsicum at the reentrant, decontaminate the reentrant and if necessary, the area by flushing the reentrants eyes with water and venting the area. (Decontaminate self if exposed.)
83. Under various environmental conditions, wear body armor for extended periods of time.
84. Confiscate contraband (e.g., drugs, weapons, etc.) and secure them for further processing.
85. Discuss issues or interact with two to five inmates (e.g., conduct a pre-parole class.)
86. Discuss issues or interact with more than five inmates (e.g., conduct a pre-parole class.)
87. Escort inmate from one area to another within the institution.
88. Respond to emergency situations involving inmates and go to the location of the emergency.
89. Use physical force to control an inmate.
90. Use physical force to defend oneself or to defend others from an inmate.
91. Escort Parole Board Members to protected areas within an institution.
92. Escort Parole Board Members to unprotected areas within an institution.
93. Attend and participate in annual training for defensive tactics.
94. Assist Correctional Officers in controlling an uprising or riot.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

RECRUITMENT METHOD(S):
Applicants must meet one (or more) of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:

• Voluntary Demotion 
• Reassignment (Current civil service employees holding the same or similar job title.  Only employees who currently hold the same job title or who currently hold a similar job title in the same pay scale group with the same essential duties and qualifications will qualify under reassignment.)
• Reinstatement (Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)

• Successful completion of the Parole Agent 1 training period; OR
• Prior experience in a Commonwealth Parole Agent 2 or Parole Supervisor job title with attainment of regular civil service status.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CIJS) compliance requirements. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C driver's license or equivalent.
• All employees must obtain CLEAN certification within two months of employment and maintain this certification for the duration of employment in this job

• Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Do not submit resumes, cover letters, and similar documents.  These documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.  
• Voluntary Demotion candidates MUST include a letter accepting a voluntary demotion and acknowledgement of a reduction in pay.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Benefits

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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov