Dakota County Community Corrections


Volunteer Opportunities - Adult Probation Officer - Volunteer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections

We are committed to preventing crime and repairing harm caused by crime. We promote:
. Public safety and crime prevention in the community;
. Accountability and opportunity for positive change of the offender;
. Justice for the victims;
. Respectful treatment for all involved.

HOURS: Office hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

LOCATION: Any of the three Dakota County Community Corrections Offices.
1) Judicial Center, 1560 West Highway 55, Hastings
2) Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley
3) Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road, W. St. Paul
Other designated sites may also be used depending on specific assignments.

A Volunteer/Intern in the Adult Supervision Section is responsible for assisting a Probation Officer in carrying out a variety of work assignments under the supervision of the Probation Officer or supervisor. The focus of offender contact is determined by the assigned Probation Officer in consultation with the Unit supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

TIME REQUIREMENT: The specific hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by the supervising Probation Officer and the volunteer/Intern.

TRAINING PROVIDED: Each Volunteer/Intern must complete a general orientation provided by the Community Corrections Volunteer/Intern Coordinator before placement begins. Additionally, there will be required training pertaining to the specific duties for this position. Ongoing training opportunities will also be available.

SUPERVISION: Volunteers/Interns will be under the direct supervision of the assigned Probation Officer. The Unit supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinator will assist as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties of the volunteer/Intern will vary depending on the skills and interest of the individual and the needs of the agency. The following list shall serve as an illustration of some of the duties a volunteer/Intern might be expected to perform under the supervision of a Probation Officer, but should not be considered all-inclusive:
* Establish case plans and keep agent up-to-date on case progress, issues and/or non-compliance.
* Conduct face-to-face interviews with offenders in office and/or in offenders' homes.
* Supervise and monitor offenders for compliance with court ordered conditions.
*Work with agencies within the community.
* Make appropriate referrals.
* Assess offender in addressing needs and problem areas.
* Complete necessary reports.
* Verify necessary information (i.e. completion of treatment, payment of fines).
* Keep chronological records of all information regarding a offender.
* Attend staffings.
* May accompany Probation Officer to appointments in the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

*Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a non-judgmental, courteous and professional manner.
*Ability to comply with data privacy laws and practices.
*Ability to maintain confidentiality of offender and victim information and court records.
*Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
*Ability to work within Departmental and program policies and procedures.
* Ability to understand restorative justice principles and practices.
* Ability to gain knowledge of victim's rights.
* Ability to hold offenders accountable for their behaviors.
* Knowledge and understanding of ethnic diversities.
* Willingness to become familiar with community resources and other programs available to offenders.

 

Contact Information:

Brandon Head

Volunteer/Intern Program Coordinator

Email: brandon.head@co.dakota.mn.us

Phone: (952) 891-7151

 

This opportunity is a great pathway for a current student or recent graduate to further explore their interests and gain work experience in the field. This position is unpaid and does not include benefits. We reserve the right to deny placement on the premise that we do not have the capacity of time to complete the contractual process or if the applicant is determined to not be in the best interest of the health, safety, and/or general welfare of the program or the individual applicant.

Qualifications Required

  • Accepted Data Privacy Notice - Tennessen Notice Must be Yes
  • Background Check Must be Completed: Cleared
  • Signed Volunteer Waiver Must be at least Yes
  • Some activities require that you complete a background check with Dakota County. Are you willing to undergo a background check? Must be Yes

Schedule Summary

This activity generally occurs on

  • Monday - Morning, Afternoon
  • Tuesday - Morning, Afternoon
  • Wednesday - Morning, Afternoon
  • Thursday - Morning, Afternoon
  • Friday - Morning, Afternoon