JOB TITLE: PAROLE AGENT 1

JOB CODE: 46030

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Parole Agent job series describes work involving the supervision or counseling of probationers and parolees or inmates.

DEFINITION: This is trainee level work in the supervision of probationers and parolees in the state probation and parole system or professional parole counseling of inmates (offenders) preparing for release from an institution.

An employee in this job participates in formal classroom instruction and practical on-the-job training in a variety of entrance level duties, which includes the supervision of a caseload, and counseling and advising offenders on probation or parole to foster their personal, social, and economic adjustment into the community. Training consists of work experiences within a correctional institution or field office setting by observing and assisting Parole Agents 2 in the performance of professional duties including case handling techniques, facilitating offender groups, assessing offenders’ needs, and case management of technical parole violators. Work may include face-to-face contact with inmates in state and county correctional institutions, as well as a wide variety of contacts with institutional personnel, social service agencies, employers, and families of offenders. Work also includes arresting offenders for probation or parole violations and testifying at violation hearings. There is an element of physical danger in working with inmates, probationers and parolees who have demonstrated anti-social behavior and may be experiencing mental or chemical dependency problems. Work is performed under close supervision initially, with a gradual transition to more general supervision as an employee gains experience and begins to demonstrate competence in assignments. Casework is reviewed through direct observation, conferences, and review of reports and recommendations.

• In a field setting, work involves assisting with the development and modification of treatment plans, referring parolees and probationers to social service agencies for specialized treatment, and conducting investigations to obtain information regarding parolees’ and probationers’ behavior, transition into the community, and compliance with parole conditions.

• In an institutional setting, work involves assisting in interviewing and advising offenders/inmates on the parole process, preparing pre-parole reports and investigation requests, and monitoring constructive parole and special probation or parole cases for violations.

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.):

• Participates in formal and on-the-job training related to the supervision of offenders, the conduct of investigations, and the identification of counseling or other services needed to foster offenders’ personal, social or economic adjustment.

• Obtains factual information and physical evidence to determine if parole or probation violations have occurred and to establish a proper course of action.

• Maintains and documents contact with families, friends, employers, clergy, and other persons concerned with aiding offenders in their adjustment to the community.

• Assists in making arrests for probation and parole violations and transporting violators to correctional facilities.

• Drafts reports and written summaries documenting factual information, observations, findings, and recommendations needed for administrative purposes.

• Researches case history and provides preliminary counsel to inmates to assist in behavior development necessary for successful parole.

• Conducts assessments of an offender’s needs and refers offender to specialized therapy agencies.

• Under direct supervision, presents behavioral, educational, family, employment and parole education training to offenders.

• Analyzes case histories and all available information regarding offenders to evaluate overall adjustment and potential for parole success.

• Develops re-entry plans for offenders released on parole by identifying resources and arranging for receipt of assistance in areas such as employment, education, treatment, and finance.

• Monitors offender progress with regard to the re-entry plan and makes adjustments to the plan as necessary.

• Provides limited input to appropriate Board staff regarding parole/re-parole considerations.

• Makes preliminary recommendations to the courts regarding the continuation or revocation of an offender’s special probation or parole sentence.

• Assists treatment and classification staff in the selection of treatment plans for offenders.

• Assists offenders in the development of a suitable home plan.

• Summarizes developments and recommends follow-up action for release or parole to a new sentence.

• Secures urine samples from offenders for urinalysis testing.

• Operates a motor vehicle.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

• Knowledge of interview techniques used to obtain information from individuals.

• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze written material.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

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

• Four years of paraprofessional experience which includes two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience;

or

• Two years of paraprofessional social services, human services, corrections, or law enforcement experience, and an associate’s degree;

or

• A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, political science, behavioral science, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

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.