History Appendix K: JSP-13 Position Description 1972

Senior Probation Officer JSP-13

Nature and Purpose of Position:
The Senior Probation Officer is an intermediary classification between Journeyman Officer and Supervisor and with responsibilities that address both line and managerial functions. The position is achieved through merit, diligence, time-in-grade, and dedicated service. A Senior Probation Officer serves as a resource person whose past experience, accomplishments, dependability and positive example provide stability and counsel for staff and administration members. This position provides another promotional opportunity, other than the administrative level, for those highly skilled officers who prefer to specialize in the line officer function.
Qualifications:
Legal - To qualify for appointment as a senior probation officer, grade JSP-13, one must have not less than 10 years of experience in personnel work for the welfare of others as a probation officer, or the equivalent, in the Federal Probation System, and the basic qualifications required for an Assistant Probation Officer including being a graduate of an accredited college with a bachelor's degree, with a major in one of the social sciences plus: 1) the completion of graduate academic work in one of the social sciences closely related to probation work for which a master's degree has been awarded, or 2) qualifications which in the opinion of the appointing judge and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, subject to review by the appropriate committee of the Judicial Conference, are equivalent to attainment of a master's degree. Additionally, one may be qualified for this grade if assigned as an Officer-in-charge of a field/branch office where he/she assigns and monitors the work of one or more probation officers and clerks providing he/she has not less than eight years' experience in personnel work for the welfare of others with at least five years' experience as a Federal Probation Officer, or the equivalent, and qualifications for Assistant Probation Officer.
Professional - A Senior Probation Officer must have an outstanding record of performance based on the ability to handle the full range of duties and responsibilities of a fully qualified journeyman officer with little or no technical supervision; and the ability to render assistance to other officers in the handling of problems encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
Duties:
1)         Assists the Chief Probation Officer in formulating and modifying policy; uses independent judgment and ingenuity in interpreting the intent of guidelines and develops approaches to specific work areas.
2)         Is available to the Chief Probation Officer in evaluating the performance of other line officers through originating new case management techniques, establishing performance criteria, and developing new information sources.
3)         Capable of assuming the administrator's duties in his absence by promoting administrative programs or missions and insuring the well-being of all staff.
4)         Assumes supervision responsibility for some of the most difficult cases.
5)         Cooperates with the Chief Probation Officer and administrative staff in assuring that standards are met, work equalized, time constraints met, and that all case needs receive expeditious and satisfactory attention.
6)         Requires those officers under his/her direct supervision to submit case reports at regular intervals and reviews those reports to ensure proper case management progress. Reads and analyzes presentence reports, case records, and correspondence of assigned officers.
7)         May be designated by the Chief Probation Officer to assist in the administrative duties of drug abuse programs by identifying, soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and monitoring drug contract services. He may be designated as alternative certifying officer to the Chief in submitting bills for services rendered for payment. Assumes legal responsibility in enforcing conditions of release imposed by the Courts and the Parole Commission relating to drug treatment and aftercare.
8)         Discusses presentence recommendations, adjustment of probationers, and other matters relating to probation with judges, as needed, or may be assigned as a probation officer liaison to a specific judge who is covering criminal matters in his court.
9)         Promotes an understanding and cooperative relationship with all law enforcement and community agencies as well as those agencies within the federal family.
10)      Assists in promoting internal conditions conducive to continued loyalty, enthusiasm, and positive staff morale.
11)      In districts that do not have training officers assigned, the senior probation officer may be required to perform appropriate training duties or, where necessary, to assist in the continued education and training of all other staff members. May be assigned specific responsibility for the training and supervision of intern students.
12)      Where necessary, assists in providing liaison contact with private and public academic and vocational resource services and programs in meeting crucial caseload needs in addition to making direct job placement referrals. May serve on criminal justice advisory boards to colleges and universities and lecture upon specialized topics. Additionally, may be called upon to serve on local or statewide task force groups to promote needed legislation and community resources.
13)      Where necessary, acts as a skilled treatment and enforcement officer in the supervision of identified drug addicts or abusers, including those individuals with alcohol related problems.
14)      In fulfilling statutory obligations the probation officer will, on occasion, enter isolated or high crime rate areas. The probation officer is called upon to exercise active supervision of probationers and parolees and may be confronted with life threatening experiences; however, intense monitoring of community activities is mandatory.