Probation Officer Assistant - South Paris

Probation Officer Assistant - Adult Community Corrections

Code: 5211

Grade: 19

Pay: $40,060.80 to $53,372.80 annually

Open: April 22, 2024

Close: May 6, 2024

Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’, we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training.

MDOC Adult Community Corrections Region 2 is seeking qualified candidates for Probation Officer Assistant in our South Paris Office. You must be self-motivated, resourceful, able to work as an integral part of a team, and possess excellent time management, analytical, and interpersonal skills. This advertisement is open to MDOC employees as well as all outside candidates.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Probation Officer Assistant, you will work in a paraprofessional support capacity assisting Probation Officers with assigned caseloads. Responsibilities include researching, gathering, and analyzing facts, criminal histories/profiles, records, and other court documents; compiling and filing legal documents in court; explaining and providing information to clients; making recommendations regarding issues related to clients; preparing and drafting reports and correspondence; and keeping track of administrative or low-risk clients. Work may include interaction with all levels of clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An associate degree in a behavioral science, psychology, social science, criminal justice area, or a closely related field – OR – an equivalent combination of directly related education, training, and/or experience.

The successful candidate will be required to pass a complete background investigation, including a polygraph and psychological examination.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Class C Maine Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS IN THIS POSITION:

(Entry Level Knowledge accepted, training provided for Working Knowledge)

• Knowledge of procedures and practices of probation casework.
• Knowledge of adult and/or juvenile criminal court procedures.
• Knowledge of community corrections laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the functions of social agencies operating in the community.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective social work.
• Knowledge of investigation principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of human behavior and effective casework and case management practices.
• Ability to develop effective and professional working relationships.
• Ability to analyze and develop solutions to client adjustment problems.
• Ability to objectively assess clients and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to research and compile legal documents and reports.
• Ability to prepare accurate and complete records, reports, correspondence, and legal documents.
• Ability to interact with officers of the court.
• Ability to effectively manage time.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.

APPLICATION AND HIRING PROCESS

The recruitment process for the Probation Officer Assistant position is a multi-phased process. Candidates advancing through the process will be offered employment contingent upon the successful outcome of all of the following:

Application Process:

To be considered for the Probation Officer position the following must be submitted:

State of Maine Direct Hire Application; (application to be received through online application)

Cover letter

You should be aware before starting the application process that the following are disqualifiers for this position.

If you:

1. Have been convicted of murder or any crime classified in Maine law as a Class A, Class B, or Class C crime (i.e., any crime with a maximum term of imprisonment of one year or more), or of any substantially similar crime in another jurisdiction outside the State of Maine;
2. Have been convicted of any crime classified in Maine law as a Class D crime (i.e., any crime with a maximum possible term of imprisonment of less than one year), or of any substantially similar crime in another jurisdiction outside the State of Maine.
3. Have been convicted of any of the following provisions of the Maine Criminal Code (Title 17-A of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated), or of any substantially similar crime in another jurisdiction outside the State of Maine.
4. Chapter 15, Theft, including, but not limited to: Theft by deception; Insurance deception; Theft by extortion; Theft of lost, mislaid or mistakenly delivered property; Theft of services; Theft by misapplication of property; Unauthorized use of property.
5. Chapter 19, Falsification in Official Matters, including, but not limited to: Perjury; False swearing; Unsworn falsification; Tampering with a witness, informant, juror, or victim; Falsifying physical evidence; Tampering with public records or information; Impersonating a public servant.
6. Chapter 25, Bribery and Corrupt Practices, including, but not limited to: Bribery in official and political matters; Improper influence; Improper compensation for past action; Improper gifts to public servants; Improper compensation for services; Purchase of public office; Official oppression; Misuse of information; or
7. Chapter 45, Drugs, including, but not limited to: Unlawful or Aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs; Unlawfully furnishing scheduled drugs; Unlawful possession of scheduled drugs; Acquiring drugs by deception; Stealing drugs; Cultivating marijuana; Illegal importation of scheduled drugs; Unlawful possession, unlawful trafficking, or unlawful furnishing of synthetic hallucinogenic drugs;
8. Have engaged in any conduct described in paragraphs 1, 2, and/or 3, above.
9. Have been convicted of any crime that is a violation of any domestic abuse law of any State or Federal jurisdiction.
10. Have been convicted of operating under the influence (O.U.I.) of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs within the ten (10) years preceding the date of your application.
11. Are currently abusing drugs or alcohol; or
12. Falsify or misrepresent a material fact by signing this document, or when you are/were interviewed during the background investigation phase of the application process.

Hiring Process:

• Oral Board Interview
• Background Investigation & Criminal History Record Check, to include fingerprints
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Examination
• Selection for Employment

BENEFITS

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.9% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.