At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and support offenders, conduct investigations, and promote positive life changes.
- Company: Montana Department of Corrections focused on accountability and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous benefits, and potential student loan forgiveness.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help create a safer Montana.
- Qualifications: Degree in criminology, psychology, or related field; experience in social work or law enforcement preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
QUALIFICATIONS
Probation and parole officers must have at least a college degree in a related field such as criminology, psychology, social work, sociology, or guidance and counselling and some formal training in behavioural sciences. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the department. Related work experience in the areas listed may be substituted for educational requirements at the rate of 1 year of experience for 9 months formal education if approved by the department. All present employees are exempt from this requirement but are encouraged to further their education at the earliest opportunity.
Work experience that may be substituted for the educational requirements includes experience in the areas of corrections/detention, criminology, education, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, law, law enforcement, social work, sociology, psychiatric nursing, or guidance and counselling.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION
This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections. In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
- Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
- Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
- Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent;
- Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Cover Letter, Resume, State of Montana Application. Applications missing required documentation will not be considered. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT. If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.
BENEFITS
Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits. State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The Department of Corrections participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.
NOTICES
Brady Act & Lautenberg Amendment - Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or is the subject of a court order of protection for “an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner” cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or were issued a court order of protection are not qualified for this position. Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 - Any person who has engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position. Tobacco Free - The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.
PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICER
The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you! The Public Safety Division operates Montana’s prisons safely and securely and provides supervision and support for offenders in the community through its Probation and Parole Bureau. The work performed in this division is integral to the department’s mission to create a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. Make a difference! Join us today!
The Probation and Parole Officer position, guided by the Department of Corrections (DOC) mission, plays a central role in managing the correctional population, promoting public safety and encouraging offenders to make positive life changing decisions for their future. The officer cooperates with, and solicits information from, the public and criminal justice system and supervises and counsels 80-100 offenders. Must have skills and abilities to equally balance social work and law enforcement duties.
The officer conducts pre-sentence investigations and makes placement recommendations concerning those offenders sentenced to DOC. These investigations are completed with cooperation from other criminal justice agencies and by using investigative skills; knowledge of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to probation, parole, incarceration, rehabilitation and treatment programs, as well as knowledge of behavioural science. The officer then makes recommendations for rehabilitation, treatment plans, conditions of probation, the need for incarceration, and appropriate level (i.e. local jail or Montana State Prison) to the District Court and Parole Board through a written pre-sentence investigation report.
Officers refer offenders to appropriate resources or programs using departments supervision standards, a risk and needs assessment as well as knowledge of state and community resources and monitors the progress of the client for compliance. Officers investigate alleged violations of probation or parole using knowledge of policies & procedures pertaining to violations, search warrants & investigations. Officers arrest and detain violators and testify in district court and information hearings relative to sentencing or revocation of client’s probation or parole status. Officers are trained to handle situations if probation & parole offenders or inmates become hostile & pose a physical threat. This requires the use of Oleoresin Capsicum “O.C. Spray” and firearms and carrying handcuffs.
Work is of the nature that Officers may work varying schedules to include nights and weekend hours and that the Officer may be called back to work at any hour of the day or night and be available 24/7 when called upon to assist any Department of Corrections Facility or Law Enforcement Agency. The Officer needs to physically make an arrest, defend selves, in high-risk volatile scenarios in and away from the office. Travel for job may be required up to 10% of the time in addition to travel for training.
Probation Parole Officer in Livingston employer: State of Montana
Joining the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) as a Client Service Coordinator offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, retirement plans, and opportunities for advancement within the largest state agency, DPHHS is committed to empowering its employees and fostering a work-life balance. This role not only allows you to engage directly with the public but also provides the unique opportunity to contribute to vital public assistance programs that support low-income families across Montana.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Probation Parole Officer in Livingston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at State of Montana.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from State of Montana!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like State of Montana, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at State of Montana or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Probation Parole Officer in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to State of Montana:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to State of Montana! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at State of Montana
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
