State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Parole Officer 1 (7373CP)

$37.81-$49.29 Hourly / $3,024.18-$3,942.53 BiWeekly /
$78,931.00-$102,900.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Board of Pardons and Paroles this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in case management, inmate classification systems, counseling, investigation and enforcement activities for an assigned group of offenders.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

Incumbents in this class will gain knowledge of the total parole process necessary to perform successfully at the Parole Officer 2 level. Although the job functions may be similar in both the Parole Officer 1 and Parole Officer 2 classifications, an incumbent will not move to the Parole Officer 2 classification until the incumbent has demonstrated solid job content knowledge and the ability to perform the full range of tasks required at the Parole Officer 2 level as determined through performance reviews. Incumbents must serve a minimum of one (1) year at the level of Parole Officer 1 prior to reclassification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Parole and Community Services Manager or other employee of higher grade in the performance of routine tasks; receives closer supervision when performing more advanced tasks.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

PAROLE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES: 
  • Performs tasks associated with community supervision, guidance and control of an assigned caseload of offenders; 
  • Conducts preliminary investigations and assists in coordinating and authorizing release of offenders; 
  • Reviews offender case files; conducts needs assessment and develops a plan for supervision; 
  • Coordinates development of a rehabilitation program for offenders; 
  • Makes appropriate referrals to community based programs for necessary treatment and evaluation and monitors offender progress while in treatment; 
  • Monitors offender progress through contacts with work supervisors, family members, law enforcement agencies, community based programs and educational institutions and recommends changes in program; 
  • Investigates violations of parole agreements or other performance difficulties; 
  • Processes violations; 
  • Performs difficult or hazardous investigations, makes arrests and transports offenders to correctional facilities; 
  • Utilizes computerized records system to maintain offenders complex case notes and comprehensive offender file; 
  • Prepares various reports; 
  • Coordinates and/or participates in remand to custody as necessary; 
  • Acts as liaison with facility staff, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, law enforcement agencies and the community to ensure continuity of services for offenders; 
  • Performs related duties as required.
BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES: 
  • Performs tasks associated with the review and preparation of case materials for hearings which are reviewed by the Board of Pardons and Paroles; 
  • Accesses databases and files from various law enforcement agencies and retrieves data relevant to police reports, pre-sentencing information, participation in rehabilitative programs, disciplinary reports and institutional adjustment; 
  • Verifies parole eligibility and discharge dates; 
  • Meets with inmates to discuss parole process; 
  • Coordinates attendance of victims and inmates families at Board of Pardons and Paroles hearings; 
  • Attends hearings, takes notes and provides information to Board members regarding case files as requested; 
  • Utilizes computerized records system to maintain offenders complex case notes and comprehensive offender file; 
  • Prepares various repots; 
  • Responds to inquiries from offenders, victims, family members or the public; 
  • Coordinates and/or participates in remands to custody as necessary including out of state remands; 
  • Acts as liaison with facility staff, Parole and Community Services, law enforcement agencies and the community to ensure continuity of services for offenders; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • relevant agency policies and procedures; 
    • criminal behavior; 
    • individual and group behavior; 
    • principles and techniques of interviewing; 
    • evidence-based practices; 
    • cultural competencies and ethical standards; 
    • counseling techniques; 
    • investigatory techniques; some knowledge of correctional practices; 
    • community resources; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to
    • prepare clear and concise reports and case histories; 
    • learn and retain information; 
    • analyze facts and make decisions; 
    • perform arithmetical computations; 
    • organize time, set priorities and manage caseload tasks; 
    • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of experience in case management or community supervision activities in parole, probation, rehabilitation counseling or social work in a correctional or community setting under the jurisdiction of the Department of Correction or the Criminal Justice System.
NOTE:
  • Case management is interpreted as having an assigned caseload, performing the initial intake assessments, setting up treatment plans and monitoring client progress.
  • Community supervision is interpreted as those community settings which provide services to offenders in settings such as Alternative Incarceration Centers. It does not refer to the general population.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training in counseling, criminal justice, human services, psychology, sociology, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in counseling, criminal justice, human services, psychology, sociology, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  • Two (2) years as a Parole Officer Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.

PROMOTION

Following one (1) year of successful and satisfactory performance incumbents in this class shall progress to Parole Officer 2. Such promotion shall be effective the first day of the pay period following such one (1) year period.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle operator license.
  • Incumbents in this class must be able to obtain and maintain certification to carry and use weapons including firearms and chemical agents.
  • Incumbents in this class must be able to obtain and maintain NCIC/COLLECT certification.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury, which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform the duties of the class.
  • A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to a considerable degree of danger of injury or assault by offenders or persons engaged in deviant behavior and from automobile or other accidents, communicable infectious diseases, disagreeable environmental conditions, confinement in a dangerous and volatile prison population and may be required to exert considerable physical effort such as working in tiring positions, lifting and restraining of offenders.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(24)-Parole and Probation

BARGAINING UNIT

(08)-CORR OFFICERS (NP-4)

EEO

(4)-Protective Service

SALARY INFORMATION

CP 13

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Parole Officer 1 in Salary Group CP 13 approved effective August 7, 2015. (Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section) Final No. 23-222

EFFECTIVE DATE

08/25/2023
CLASS: 7373CP; REV: 8/30/2023;