Career Opportunities

DeSoto County Probation & Pretrial Officer

Job Location

DeSoto County Probation Office

Position Available

Open until filled

Salary

$16.85/hour or $35,048/year

Job

This position is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of a population of offenders ordered to Probation or Supervised Pretrial Release (SPR) by the DeSoto County Court.  The position monitors progress and ensures compliance with court-ordered conditions, including the Offender Work Program (OWP).  

Essential Job Functions

• Provides instructions regarding court-ordered conditions of Probation and SPR and monitors compliance with court-ordered conditions. 
• Refers offenders to court-ordered agencies and monitors progress.
• Conducts statistical comparisons of data.  Assists in the preparation and maintenance of department records.
• Searches databases and notes pertinent information on court dockets for use in court.
• Attends court hearings.
• Prepares orders, violation reports, affidavits, and warrants pertaining to compliance and non-compliance of Probation and/or SPR conditions. Updates offender information for apprehension as data is received.
• Monitors all community service work programs. Provides guidance and prioritizes work assignments.  Accounts for all participants and monitors that court-ordered payments are made.  Provides statistics from community service and compliance. 
• Inputs and updates cases in court database for Probation and SPR clients.
• Creates SPR packets for court review.
• Tracks Probation clients throughout supervision. 
• Tracks clients placed on SPR weekly, and monitors clients who have not been released from jail throughout the term of the case.
• Conducts and monitors drug screens. 
• Regularly communicates with the Sheriff’s office, Judge’s Office, State Probation, and the Clerk of Court to obtain necessary information (i.e., SPR conditions, first appearance records, dispositions, arrest reports) for each Probation and SPR client.
• Loads cases into Citizens Right to Know database.
• Terminates Probation and SPR cases from court database when supervision is terminated or complete.
• Assists with problem solving court clients and personnel as may be needed.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Probation Services Manager or Trial Court Administrator.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of basic interviewing and screening techniques
• Knowledge of investigative and fact-gathering techniques
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures, practices, and demeanor
• Skills in preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials. 
• Skills in using online databases and programs to search records.
• Ability to maintain accurate case records
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others and foster teamwork
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to interact successfully with individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained
• Ability to uphold high professional standards 

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in criminal justice, counseling, social or behavioral science or a related field is preferred.  Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.  A high school diploma or GED is required. A valid Florida Driver’s License is also required. Must obtain certification by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as a Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) operator within six (6) months of appointment; and must keep CJIS Certification current.

Benefits

DeSoto County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance; supplemental insurance (cancer, disability, and hospital indemnity); Florida Retirement System membership; and paid time off. Click here for more information on benefits.

Apply

Interested applicants must submit a current resume to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Cover letters are encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.  

Email:  HR@jud12.flcourts.org
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call 941-861-7811.

Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.