PROBATION COUNSELOR 72402

This is the first class in the Probation Counselor series that provides professional counseling, investigatory and case management services to adult and youth clients on probation, parole, or in aftercare by assisting them in adjusting to the community. Positions in this class interview and provide various counseling services which may include social, behavioral, job placement, and family counseling; write and testify on pre- or post-sentencing and disposition reports; analyze and monitor client cases; provide intake services; and maintain related records. This class is distinguished from the Probation Counselor Senior class by the latter's responsibility for managing complex cases and providing specialized services.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty by assisting the courts or the Parole Board in making decisions relating to the disposition of clients. Positions interview and counsel clients referred by the courts or the Parole Board which involves assessing client behavior; developing treatment plans; providing counseling and guidance related to social, behavioral, job placement and family issues; arranging for emergency housing, medical and other client services; making referrals for appropriate client services; and documenting client progress. Positions also counsel clients transferred from other states via the Interstate Compact; provide case information on clients paroled to other states and districts; and conduct preliminary parole violation hearings. Positions in this class investigate, analyze and report on alleged misconduct and law violations by clients; initiate arrest procedures and testify at preliminary and revocation hearings when required. Positions may serve as member of a service delivery team and collect and account for client supervision fees.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions may provide direction to volunteers or interns.

Supervision Received: Positions receive direction from a Probation Supervisor, or other higher level administrative position.

Scope: Work impacts the probation, parole, and aftercare dispositions of clients which affect the well-being of clients and the safety of the general public.

Impact of Actions: Appropriate actions and decisions facilitate clients' successful completion of probation periods and may result in clients' obtaining positive coping or living skills. Ineffective decisions may result in the increased potential of clients to repeat law violations, or to develop inappropriate behaviors.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with clients and their family members; law enforcement and court officials; state mental health, employment and rehabilitation agencies; residential care staff; and community service organizations to obtain and provide information regarding the activities of the clients.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of case management; counseling techniques; human behavior; court and legal procedures; pertinent Virginia Code sections; crisis intervention techniques; and treatment methods.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to provide sound counsel to clients; to collect and analyze pertinent data from a variety of sources; to interpret and explain policies and procedures, to develop, implement and evaluate disposition plans; to manage a case load; and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: A valid Virginia driver's license may be required for some positions in this class.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in social science, criminal justice, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience which involves counseling; involvement in court or legal services; or managing case loads in a human service environment.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised by the Departments of Corrections, and Youth and Family Services, effective