PROBATION COUNSELOR SENIOR 72409

This is the second class in the Probation Counselor series that is responsible for managing complex cases and providing services within specialized areas of Adult Probation and Parole or Youth Services. This class is distinguished from the Probation Supervisor class by the absence of direct supervisory authority. This class is distinguished from the Probation Counselor by the responsibility for complex program services, caseloads or work leader and administrative duties.

Complexity of Work: performs work of considerable difficulty which requires the resolution of complex case management problems. Positions spend a substantial portion of time providing casework services in specialized areas such as family counseling substance abuse, diversion programs, mediation counseling, volunteer services, intensive supervision, wilderness or recreational programs, and immigrant or disabled client services. Positions advise counselors in assessing client risks and needs, and supervise the most serious or difficult offenders. Positions in this class may be responsible for administrative duties such as planning team meetings, placing assignments with counseling teams, and training new staff. Positions may also review the work of counselors for compliance with standards and guidelines, and develop clinical modalities for substance abusers, sex or other categories of offenders. Some positions may establish and maintain a community resource referral network; submit written and oral presentations to courts, the Parole Board, and other agencies and organized groups. Technical support may be provided to more than one district, court service unit or branch office.

Supervision Given: Formal supervision is not a factor; however, positions may advise or coordinate teams of counselors who are providing counseling services to clients and investigatory services for courts and the Parole Board; serve as a technical expert for other unit staff in a specialized casework area; and provide training to new staff.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a Probation Supervisor or administrator.

Scope: Positions in this class have technical and administrative responsibility that affects the overall operations of the work unit as well as the welfare of the individual client and the safety of the general public.

Impact of Actions: Work performance may have a moderate effect on the public image and the delivery of critical services of the agency. Good performance will enhance service delivery by Probation Counselors.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with clients and their family members; law enforcement and court officials; external service providers; residential care staff; and community service staff and organizations to obtain and provide information, coordinate services and programs, improve cooperation, and negotiate agreements.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices of social casework; treatment methods, human behavior tendencies; socio-economic group characteristics; purposes, procedures, and functions of the pertinent Virginia codes and correctional systems; counseling; case management and service delivery techniques; crisis intervention techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to lead the work of counselors and to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interact with clients and the public; organize and implement casework services; initiate independent actions and carry out assignments with minimal supervision; and intervene in crisis situations; develop and manage interagency relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Certification in the assigned service delivery area where required. 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: Progressive experience related to counseling, case management services, investigation, research, and report writing, or social services.

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 developed by the Departments of Corrections and Youth and Family Services, effective