Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00136929	Description Activated On: 8/1/2024 12:09:09 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Advises inmates in correctional institutions who were sentenced for committing a criminal offense to prepare those inmates for their paroling interview.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

>Interviews and advises inmates to prepare them for their paroling interview, to guide them in formulating an acceptable parole plan (an approved home and job or 5 letter of employment inquiry), and to obtain information required for an analysis of the offender’s readiness for parole.”

>Prepares and initiates Pre-Parole Investigation requests to have the Parole Plans of Inmates investigated.

>Notifies Inmates of the results of Pre-Parole investigations when they are received.

>Reviews cases of inmates for possible history of Domestic Violence on the Rap Sheet or in the interview with the inmate, and where indicated, request Field Staff confirm same through investigation of Court Records.

>Completes the Registration of State Mandated Sex Offenders for Megan's Law prior to release on Parole.

>Writes or dictates on tape, the Summarization Report on Inmates scheduled for Parole Interviews with the Parole Board and Parole Hearing Examiners.

>Conducts orientation of newly committed offenders to inform them of Pre-Parole services and Parole Board Policy and Procedure.

>Conducts Parole Education Classes to educate inmates about the Parole processs, Parole plans, and conditions of Parole.

>Notifies inmates subsequent to interview by the Parole Board of the Board's decision concerning Parole.

>Prepares responses to Inmate Request Slips.

>Coordinates Probable Casue, Violation and Violation/Revocation Hearings with Field Staff, Parole Hearing Officers, Inmates, Witnesses, Attorney's and Superintendent of the Institution. Testifies where necessary in Revocation Hearings. Has overall security during the Hearings and escorts all non-institutional persons within the institution to and from Hearings. Ascertains that proper documents are available for Revocation Hearings and recommends appropriate action to Parole Hearing Officer.

>Schedules Panel Hearings and notifies all parties in an appropriate manner. Arranges for adequate Hearing facilities with the Superintendent. Escorts all non-institutional persons to and from the Hearings. Testifies at all Hearings where the Supervising Agents are not present. Present cases, introduce/administers oath to Agents and witnesses and records proceedings of the Hearing.

>Monitors Constructive Parole cases and Special Probation/Parole cases for potential TPV/CPV proceedings and makes recommendations regarding violations. Processes violations via investigations, required reports and scheduling and presentation of cases at all levels of appropriate hearings. Processes and coordinate subponeas when appropriate.

>Issues Parole Violation Warnings/Instructions to inamtes when appropriate in Constructive Parole Parole and Special Probationn/Parole cases for infractions of Parole conditions.

>Contacts Judges/County Officials in the event an offender under Special Probation/Parole is uncooperative or incurs a Violation and in order to ascertain if proceedings will be inititated.

>Provides reporting instructions to inmates at the times when they are due to be released on Parole, explains the conditions of Parole to them and requires them to sign off acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of the conditions.

>Maintains control on cases of inmates who have been granted Parole, Reparole or continued infromation, Psychiatric/Psychological Evaluations, Parole Plans, Disposition of Detainers or other pertinent information.

>Cooperates in providing security for the office and provides whatever assistance is requried by Institutional Staff in emergency situations.

>Answers phone calls and questions from the public, Parolees and Probationers and their families concerning Parole Board Policy and Procedure.

>Prepares responses to correspondence from families of inmates, the general public, Government Agencies and other persons or organizations.

>Operates an Agency provided computer to send and receive emails, access information, compose documents and perform other duties.

>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. Install and activate electronic monitoring equipment (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 9mm 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 9 mm 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.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The Parole Agent reviews and interprets information in psychological evaluations and decides how to summarize the information to put it into the summarization report. The Agency Manual gives the guidelines for content of the summarization report.
In response to verbal and written inquiries the Parole Agent must decide what information to give to the inmate concerning the inmate’s case.
The Parole Agent must interpret and apply applicable laws to each individual being released on parole from the institution and verify compliance with the laws. The supervisor would only be consulted on these decisions in unusual circumstances.
If a situation would arise that would preclude a release after the release orders were signed, the Parole Agent must evaluate the reason and decide if a hearing is necessary, and then seek the approval of the Parole Supervisor.
Parole Agents must decide whether to file Violation of Parole charges on an inmate on constructive parole or impose a lesser sanction after consultation with the Parole Supervisor.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

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