Probation Counselor II

Job Announcement

Works with court referred clients who have been charged/convicted of impaired driving offenses. Provides intake for clients, prepares and presents cases in court, counsels clients and conducts investigations. Monitors client progress and makes referrals as needed. Writes intake summary on each client interviewed. Conducts case management duties to include monitoring of ignition interlock and administration of alcohol breath tests. Writes and prepares reports to the courts, clients and treatment providers. Testifies in court on non-compliant cases, makes appropriate recommendations when requested by the judge. 

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Note: Must pass the Commission of VASAP Exam after 90 days of employment.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) Case Management Services
Works with court referred clients who have been charged/convicted of impaired driving offenses and first time drug offenders;
Maintains a caseload of court referred and volunteer clients;
Interviews clients during intake process and assigns appropriate program classification;
Writes intake summary on each client interviewed;
Conducts case management duties to include monitoring of ignition interlock and administration of alcohol breath tests;
Monitors clients progress and make referral as needed;
Writes and prepares reports to the courts, clients and treatment providers;
Testifies in court on non-compliant cases, make appropriate recommendations when requested by the judge.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of casework supervision practices and procedures;
Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology;
Knowledge of current social and economic conditions;
Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information;
Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work and victim services;                                              
Ability to interview and counsel clients;
Ability to prepare complete case records and reports;
Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
 

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:  (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or education plus two years of professional experience in probation work, social work, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, or counseling. A master's degree in the disciplines above may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:
Must pass Commission of VASAP Exam after 90 days of employment.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:
 

• Criminal Background Investigation
• Child Protective Services Registry Check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 

• At least two years of experience in case management as a probation counselor, to include conducting one on one interviews with offenders.
• Knowledge of court operations and procedures.
• Understanding of laws pertaining to substance abusers and impaired drivers.
• At least two years of experience providing courtroom testimony.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and consistently, both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

• Ability to use keyboard driven equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly with customers.
• Ability to lift up to 5 pounds.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.
 
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
 
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  
 
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.