Probation Officer
Company: Portage County Ohio
Location: Ravenna
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
TITLE: Probation Officer – JOB OBJECTIVES: Under the direction
of the Chief of Probation, Assistant Chief and Unit Supervisor,
incumbent will work with individuals under the jurisdiction of the
Court by promoting positive behavioral change utilizing methods
proven to increase public safety. In doing so, the probation
officer works with individuals to maximize their potential and
mitigate risk to the community in an effort to reduce recidivism.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Provides structured community supervision to
adult, misdemeanor and/or felony offenders ordered to a period of
standard supervision as follows: Enforces rules and regulations of
probation and all orders of the Court, including collection of
court costs, restitution and supervision fees Maintains
responsibility for assigned case-load Conducts face-to-face office
meetings with clients to ensure compliance Prepares Motions to
Modify/Revoke/Extend and attends court hearings as necessary
Prepares for court hearings and offers testimony when required
Keeps accurate case files with signed Rules of Probation Documents
case file notes and collateral contacts Makes appropriate referrals
based on client risk/needs and/or court orders Conducts random drug
and alcohol testing or as directed by the Court Arrests and
processes clients according to procedure Acts as court officer as
assigned Completes required training on an annual basis Administers
the Ohio Risk Assessment System when required Completes and updates
case plans when required Conducts DNA testing as required by law
Processes courtesy supervision through intrastate transfers
according to procedure monitors NCIC cases, if assigned, and
notifies the Court of compliance or non-compliance in a timely
manner Monitors and verifies completion of community work service.
Provides off-site supervision of offenders by: Conducting home
visits, curfew checks and/or worksite checks, when necessary
Networking with other agencies in developing treatment plan for
offenders Maintaining positive communication with community
agencies when monitoring treatment/program compliance Prepares and
investigates PSI’s as directed LEADS Operator, if directed Assists
in training new officers, if directed. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Performs other job-related duties as directed by Supervisor. Duties
may require use of personal vehicle for County business with
mileage reimbursement if County car is not available. JOB
REQUIREMENTS Equipment: Incumbent operates equipment such as, but
not limited to, the following: Copy machine, computer terminal,
personal computer, facsimile machine, printing equipment,
telephone, surgical gloves, face mask and you may be required to
travel by car (department’s or personal). Critical
Skills/Expertise: Knowledge of the principles and practices of
Court procedures and testimony. Knowledge of Sections of the State
of Ohio Revised Code relevant to Adult Probation. Knowledge of
Evidence-Based Practices and supervision strategies. Knowledge of
Portage County Adult Probation policies, rules, regulations, and
procedures. Knowledge of the principles and practices regarding the
Due Process Procedures. Knowledge of the principles and practices
of Arrest, Search & Seizure Procedures. Demonstrate knowledge and
exhibit the proper methods and procedures for Drug/Alcohol testing.
Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures
for DNA Collection. Exhibits problem solving skills with an
emphasis in conflict resolution and crisis management/intervention.
Demonstrate an understanding of Interstate Compact Rules and
Procedures. Demonstrate knowledge and exhibit the proper methods
and procedures for Pre-Sentence Investigations. Demonstrate
knowledge and exhibit the proper methods and procedures for
disposal of bio-hazardous waste and materials. Demonstrate computer
literacy and/or technical competency necessary to complete
departmental tasks including but not limited to; Microsoft Office
Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications
(CourtView). Possess oral and written communication skills
necessary to elicit information utilizing Basic and Motivational
Interviewing Techniques Demonstrate an understanding of the
Risk/Needs Assessment ORAS and provide appropriate referrals and
recommendations based on the risk assessment results utilizing
community resources. Required to annually complete Ohio Department
of Rehabilitation & Correction (ODRC) training. May be required to
complete or re-certify Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)
Firearms Certification if assigned to the arrest team. May be
required to operate a motor vehicle in low light conditions. Job
Standards: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Studies or related
field is required and five (5) years of experience with direct
supervision of offenders is preferred. Consideration of experience
in related fields of work may be given. Must possess a valid Ohio
driver’s license and maintain continuing eligibility under the
existing County driver eligibility standards. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work consists of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized
tasks requiring the knowledge and application of established laws,
rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and involves
evaluating the relevance and importance of theories, concepts,
principles and developing different approaches or tactical plans to
fit specific circumstances. RESPONSIBILITY Incumbent makes most
decisions regarding work independently with some supervision.
Supervisor reviews incumbent’s work as needed. Guidelines may exist
but are flexible and are open to considerable interpretation.
Independent judgement, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are
needed to interpret and apply guidelines. The duties and
responsibilities of this job will have moderate impact on the image
of the County and/or the wellbeing or rights of its citizens.
Errors at this level will be difficult to detect and could result
in non-compliance with laws or policies and in possible lawsuits,
etc. and negatively affect the delivery of quality service and
cost, impacting the department and possibly the county overall.
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Incumbent maintains frequent contact with
Court Judges, co-workers, probationers, representatives of various
public and private agencies, law enforcement officials and members
of the general public for a variety of purposes, including
explanation and interpretation of court orders and gaining the
cooperation of individuals in situations of potential conflict and
controversy. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Physical
Requirements: Incumbent performs sedentary to light physical work
which may require lifting up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to effect an arrest of
an offender. Ability to defend oneself from personal attack.
Physical Activity: Incumbent performs the following physical
activities: talking, hearing, standing, walking, sitting, stooping,
kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, driving and repetitive
motions. Visual Activity: Incumbent performs work where the seeing
job is close to the eyes. Job Location: This position involves
visits to correctional institutions and other criminal justice and
behavioral health agencies. This position requires the ability to
work effectively in community environments, which may include
visits to clients’ homes, places of employment, etc. The position
also requires the ability to assess, de-escalate and appropriately
respond to unpredictable and potentially volatile and high-risk
situations. May be exposed to infectious diseases and/or criminal
suspects or prison inmates. Position is inherently hazardous or
physically demanding work. Exposure to chemical compounds found in
an office environment, uses, or works in proximity to the use of
firearms, is exposed to bio-hazardous waste and possible injury due
to unclean or unsanitary conditions, has contact with potentially
violent or emotionally distraught persons, exposure to hazardous
driving conditions, exposure to life threatening situations,
exposure to needles and other drug paraphernalia, exposure to
Hepatitis C and irregular work hours.
Keywords: Portage County Ohio, Parma , Probation Officer, Legal , Ravenna, Ohio
