JOB TITLE: INSTITUTIONAL PAROLE ASSISTANT

JOB CODE: 46230

DEFINITION: This is paraprofessional work performed in an institutional parole office.

An employee in this job assists professional staff in an institutional parole office and performs limited technical duties to facilitate pre-parole and release processes. Work involves collecting, interpreting, and conveying parole data; explaining Parole Board decisions and procedures to reentrants; participating in pre-parole investigations; coordinating with institutional staff to monitor reentrant compliance with rules, regulations, and requirements; and developing and maintaining case files, reports, and related records. Work is performed under the general direction of a Parole Supervisor and is reviewed for adherence to established policies, procedures, and processes through conferences, reports, and inspection of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Meets with reentrants to explain Parole Board actions and decisions, detainer requirements, legal obligations, hearing processes, parole plans, pre-release requirements, parole conditions, and conduct expectations.

• Assists board members and hearing officers by providing reentrant background information and guiding reentrants through hearing procedures.

• Identifies cases that qualify for immediate release and initiates the release process.

• Reviews case records to identify the effect of detainers on release dates, and determines whether release actions or staff interviews with reentrants are necessary.

• Participates in pre-parole investigations by gathering and verifying information from reentrants, case records, and external sources to develop home plans and ensure all parole requirements are met.

• Photographs and fingerprints reentrants for Megan’s Law registration.

• Communicates information to facility staff regarding parole requirements, parole hearings, arrivals and departures, Megan’s Law registration, dockets, home plans, releases, and other information related to parole processes.

• Monitors reentrants' compliance with institutional rules and regulations, adds new misconduct information to case files, and notifies the Parole Board of misconducts if necessary.

• Compiles staffing packets, parole dockets, and other related reports; ensures all records are accurate and up to date.

• Obtains reentrant signatures on forms acknowledging they will abide by parole conditions.

• Responds appropriately to threats, requests for contraband, and other sensitive encounters with reentrants in order to help maintain order and stability in the institution.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and understand written material such as policies, procedures, and legal documents.

• Ability to perform math functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Four years of experience as a Clerical Assistant 2 in the Department of Corrections or Probation and Parole Board (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of complex clerical experience;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.