Parole Agent 2-Lancaster Gen Unt 3 (Specialized Sex Offender Caseload)

THE POSITION

This is a Specialized Sex Offender caseload position.
Telework: This position is not eligible for telework. 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Offenders may be assigned in any of the following ways: can come from a state correctional institution, special offender cases may be assigned by a judge, and cases may be assigned that have transferred from another state.
  
Advises offenders by using a variety of techniques to help the individual resolve any problem hindering their adequate adjustment to society.
  
Refers offenders to other agencies for specialized therapy in order to assist them in dealing with problems that need special attention. These areas of specialization may deal with jobs, drugs, alcohol, sexual and mental health problems.

Develops and modifies treatment plans based upon the particular needs of the offender. Special conditions imposed by Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole employees and special restrictions handed down by the sentencing judge on an offender will provide the basis for the supervision plan.
  
Participates in court proceedings providing testimony on the adjustment of offenders, answering other questions relating to the supervision of offenders, or providing information concerning Agency policy and procedures so that the court can make a decision pertaining to the offender. Court cases may involve such matters as revocations of probation/parole for technical violations or new criminal charges. Makes requests that the court place special conditions on an offender.
  
Participates in Board hearings by presenting evidence, testifying, making arrangements for witnesses, and performing related work in order to facilitate the incarceration of an offender or support continuation of an offender.
  
Conducts investigations by interviewing offenders and others in order to obtain relevant facts necessary to carry out the purpose of the investigation. Types of investigations are Pre-Parole, Pre-Sentence, Pardon Board, New Criminal Arrest, Technical Parole Violation, and Special Investigations (for other states/districts, etc.)
  .

Records offender contacts made in the field and in the office. Makes contacts with local police authorities and other state parole offices that must be recorded. Keeps notes pertaining to field and office contacts in a field book in order to maintain up-to-date information. Logs reports completed on an activity sheet and presents the information to a Parole Supervisor who monitors agents' activities on a daily basis.
  
Talks to prospective employers about the importance of hiring offenders in order to encourage job opportunities for the offenders being supervised. Encourages offenders to seek work using their own efforts.
  
Monitors offenders' conduct and activities by contacting them at home and at work. Makes contacts with individuals who come in contact with the offenders. The number of contacts required varies with the level of supervision. Conducts interviews with offenders assigned to other agents in their absence when required.

Writes or dictates reports on investigations including Pre-Paroles, Pre-Sentences, Pardon Boards, Arrests, and Special Investigations.
  
Arrests offenders who have violated the conditions of their parole/probation by requesting a warrant for their arrest from a superior and physically taking them into custody with the assistance of police agencies or other Parole Agents.
  
Cooperates in providing security for the office including staffing the metal detector and turning on and off the security system as required.
  
Answers phone calls and questions from the public, offenders, and their families concerning Board policies and procedures.
  
Monitors status of outstanding criminal charges against offenders by reviewing the information from local police authorities, district magistrates, and the Court of Common Pleas and determines what further actions need to be taken by the Board in regards to the new criminal charges.
  
Completes various reports that relate to the operation of the assigned Commonwealth vehicle including monthly mileage reports and accident reports and is responsible for vehicle repair and maintenance.
  
Recruits citizen volunteers from interested persons in the community to make the public more aware of the criminal justice system and actively help offenders to adjust to living in the community.
  
Performs public relations work by speaking to community and groups, colleges, and other organizations in order to provide information concerning probation and parole.
  
Conducts curfew checks on offenders in compliance with special conditions of parole including evenings and weekends.
  
Obtains urine samples from offenders on a random basis to determine any illegal drug or alcohol use.
  
Determines eligibility of offenders for supervision fee waivers for the cases under their supervision.
  
Operates an Agency provided computer to send and receive emails, access information, compose documents, and perform other functions.
  
Completes appropriate training hours each fiscal year.
  
Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. With assistance, lift and carry offender to a vehicle in order to take the violator into custody.

2. Without assistance, lift and carry offender to a vehicle in order to take the violator into custody.

3. With assistance, confront and if necessary forcibly disarm an offender who is holding a weapon (e.g., knife, handgun, club, etc.).

4. Without assistance, confront and if necessary forcibly disarm an offender 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 offender into custody by restraining the offender using handcuffs, belt, and leg irons.

8. With assistance, physically take a resisting offender into custody by holding and/or gripping wrist(s), arm(s), belt, etc. to restrain the offender using handcuffs, belt, and leg irons.

9. Without assistance, physically take a resisting offender into custody by holding and/or gripping wrist(s), arm(s), belt, etc. to restrain the offender using handcuffs, belt, and leg irons.

10. With assistance, temporarily detain (hold/restrain) combative/assaultive persons (e.g., associates of offender) until an arrest or search is completed.

11. Without assistance, temporarily detain (hold/restrain) combative/assaultive persons (e.g., associates of offender) until an arrest or search is completed.

12. Bend and/or reach to conduct searches of the offender'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 offender who is trying to escape.

18. Handle stressful situations (active system via ankle bracelets) to monitor offender's adherence to curfew/travel restrictions or as a sanction.

19. Bend/reach/climb/crawl/lift to conduct searches of the offender'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 offenders 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 offender, to conduct surveillance of offender, etc.).

23. Run over varied terrain (e.g., pavement, dirt, broken glass) in an attempt to arrest or secure a resisting offender.

24. Run up stairs or steep hills in an attempt to arrest or secure a resisting offender.

25. Run to evade an attacking dog.

26. Crawl under/through small spaces (e.g., crawl spaces, windows, attics, culverts, etc.) to secure an offender 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 offenders, 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 offender's case history (e.g., criminal and social history, behavior, etc.).

41. Monitor an offender'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., Offender'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 offender 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. In 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 offender'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 offenders and to assure maximum utilization of resources in the community to further the rehabilitation of offenders.

57. Calculate totals (e.g., add subtract, multiply) to summarize mileage, expenses, fees, and other data related to assignments and offenders.

58. Meet with the offender to establish a casework relationship, to discuss the offender'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 offender's conduct and activities by meeting with the offender in the agent's office, at the offender's home or place of employment, etc. to discuss the offender's progress in adjustment, to identify problems, to answer questions, to provide guidance, and to determine whether the offender is complying with the conditions of parole/probation.

61. Make collateral contacts with a variety of people (the offender'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 offender. Refer the offender to specialists for assistance in dealing with specialized problems such as drug, alcohol, mental health, etc. Discuss the offender'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., offender'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 offender's activities with others (e.g., employer, relative, police, correctional staff, etc.).

66. Meet with the offender 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 offender to refute and/or explain such findings.

67. Exchange information (by phone, fax, mail, etc.) with law enforcement authorities/correctional staff concerning the offender's past/current criminal activities.

68. Discuss investigation findings with supervisor to determine next appropriate action (e.g., change in the offender'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 offender's adherence to conditions of parole/probation, to search for/locate or apprehend an offender, etc.

77. Collect/request urine samples from offender for urinalysis to determine if the offender is using drugs/alcohol.

78.Respond to emergency situations involving the offender, at other than normal working hours (early mornings, evenings, and weekends) when notified by the answering service, the police, offender's family, hospital personnel, and/or the agent's supervisor, by taking appropriate action (e.g., telephone response, visit to the offender's residence, etc.).

79. When seated next to an offender in rear of vehicle, twist to maintain surveillance on the offender.

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 offender and/or to subdue an offender who is perceived to cause injury to him/herself and/or others, spray Oleoresin Capsicum in short 1-2 second bursts at the offender which could result in exposure to the agent.

82. After spraying Oleoresin Capsicum at the offender, decontaminate the offender and if necessary, the area by flushing the offenders 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

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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.*

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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.* 

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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.

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

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