This class is the first class in the Parole Examiner Series. Positions in this class interview prison inmates on a statewide basis in order to make parole recommendations to the Virginia Parole Board. Duties include reviewing inmates file data concerning classification, offense, prior record, education, vocation, social, psychological and medical factors; interviewing inmates eligible for parole; composing analytical reports summarizing findings; and making recommendations to the Parole Board as to the suitability of granting parole. Positions may conduct board appointments to allow advocacy and adversarial parties to speak for or against an inmate’s parole; respond to requests for reconsideration and appeals of parole; conduct revocation and rescission hearings. This class is distinguished from the Parole Examiner Supervisor class by the latter’s high degree of independence required to perform the duties and by the supervisory responsibilities over Parole Examiners.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty requiring the independent analysis and evaluation of the suitability of inmates who are eligible for parole. The work typically involves travelling to correctional institutions on a statewide basis to conduct parole interviews with inmates; assessing the mental, emotional, and physical condition of the inmate; reviewing the parole release plan with the inmate and evaluating its appropriateness, stability, feasibility, and other factors as needed; interviewing medical personnel, Department of Corrections institutional staff, and other staff as needed on a case-by-case basis to aid in the recommendation to the Parole Board; conducting board appointments to hear attorneys and interested citizens present information on behalf or against an inmate under parole consideration. Positions interpret and explain pertinent laws, regulations and policies to inmates, Department of Corrections staff, inmate family members, attorneys and other interested parties. Positions compose analytical case assessments using all relevant information regarding inmate’s suitability for parole and make recommendations to the Virginia Parole Board regarding parole release and any special conditions which would govern an inmate's parole. Positions also conduct revocation hearings and rescission hearings to determine parole revocation or continuation as assigned; respond to reconsideration requests for parole by reviewing the reconsideration documentation in conjunction with the inmate’s file to determine if there is new or additional substantive information relative to the parole consideration process; respond to appeal requests by reviewing the inmate’s file and appeal form to determine if there has been a procedural or factual error in the decision process; and recommend action to be taken by the Parole Board, if necessary. Positions also represent the Parole Board to various agencies, community organizations and individuals with whom the Board interacts.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from the Parole Examiner Supervisor who identifies, develops, and assists in the training and evaluation of the Parole Examiners to ensure that all interviewing functions are performed according to statutory provisions and agency rules and regulations governing parole programs.

Scope: Analyzes gathered information and interviews and recommends the granting, denying or revoking parole for inmates on a statewide basis.

Impact of Actions: Recommendations assist the Virginia Parole Board in determining inmates’ suitability for parole. Inaccuracies and oversights in reports submitted to the Board may result in incorrect or inconsistent decisions made by the Board and could pose legal problems and statewide threats to public safety.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with Department of Corrections institutional staff and probation and parole field staff in the parole consideration/revocation process; with professional organizations in the enhancement of the total parole process and professional development. Infrequent internal contacts with the Department of Public Safety’s executive staff for general implementation of the parole process; with advocacy or adversarial parties in the process of board appointments and revocations; and with parole authorities for sharing information and expertise.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system and regulations, especially state and federal laws, court decisions, policies, procedures and practices relating to parole; Parole Board policies; criminal law; legal processes and due process statutes. Working knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently perform a variety of complex analyses; to present case summaries and make recommendations in an articulate and professional manner, both orally and in writing; to interview and gather factual information; and to communicate the work effectively with inmates, correction officials, lawyers, other agency personnel and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in the parole process which included interpretation of applicable statutes and regulations.

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 redefined as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective February, 1990.

Last updated: 2/1/90