DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a senior level professional position in a probation department responsible for the control, supervision and care of adults and juveniles subject to probation investigation, supervision or intake services which require them to meet certain standards of conduct. The incumbent performs all the duties and exercises all the responsibilities of a Probation Officer 1; however, he/she is responsible for more complex assignments than those assigned a Probation Officer 1 and exercises specialized skills regarding evaluating the conduct of probationers, analyzing data, making recommendations regarding court decisions and counseling and coaching probationers. He/she normally is assigned as the lead worker of a unit or a team leader of professional and para-professional probation personnel when a team approach is used. He/she may also be assigned special programs and/or projects. The work is performed under the general supervision of a Probation Supervisor 1 or Probation Supervisor 2/Principal Probation Officer with limited leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision is not a characteristic of this position. The position varies from that of a Probation Officer 1 by the complexity of the cases assigned, possible responsibility for special projects and responsibility as a lead worker position.  A Probation Officer 2/Senior Probation Officer is a Peace Officer pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Section 2.10 and may be authorized to carry a firearm in the performance of his/her duties. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and practices related to probation work including probation work with high risk individuals; good knowledge of laws and rules pertaining to probation work and the functions and procedures of family and criminal courts; good knowledge of methods of differential supervision of probationers including the application of cognitive behavioral interventions and motivational techniques; good knowledge of effective assessment, case planning and management including case planning and management; good knowledge of special offender populations such as domestic violence offenders, sex offenders, DWI offenders, youthful offenders, juvenile offenders, Persons in Need of Supervision and juvenile delinquents; good knowledge of juvenile and adult risk and needs assessment instruments; good knowledge of tools used to monitor compliance with conditions of probation, such as, drug and alcohol screening, DNA collection, and electronic monitoring devices; good knowledge of the powers of a Peace Officer; good knowledge of social sciences, including sociology, psychology and demography; good knowledge of community resources; good knowledge of the rules of evidence, arrest laws and custody procedures; working knowledge of factors related to crime and delinquency; working knowledge of the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and policies relating to confidentiality of case record information; working knowledge of the geography of the jurisdiction employed in; working knowledge of employment, training and treatment options available to probationers; working knowledge of firearm safety; skill in the use of firearms where authorized; ability to administer accurate and thorough assessments related to probation work with high risk individuals such as those with an extensive legal history; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; ability to conduct effective case planning for high risk individuals such as those with an extensive legal history; ability to refer a probationer to the right types of services within the probation department and the broader community; ability to promote and monitor change and take appropriate action to sustain growth or help high risk probationers initiate appropriate behavioral patterns; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to counsel probationers regarding social, emotional and vocational problems;  ability to understand and interpret complex written technical information including statutes, regulations and operational procedures; ability to administer or coordinate a professional staff development/training program; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to administer drug and alcohol testing and collect DNA samples as needed; ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; ability to maintain composure and make rational judgments under stressful conditions; ability to use a firearm safely and effectively if so authorized.
OPEN COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher including or supplemented by thirty (30) credit hours in the social or behavioral sciences and two (2) years of experience as a Probation Officer 1.
Note:  Course work at the graduate degree level in social work, social sciences, education, administration, law, criminal justice, or a related field may be substituted for work experience for a maximum of one (1) year of experience.
IF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IS INDICATED; TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED AND SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.  A CANDIDATE LACKING THE REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL RECEIVE A CONDITIONAL APPROVAL PENDING THE RECEIPT OF TRANSCRIPTS.
PROMOTION QUALIFICATIONS: One (1) year of permanent competitive class service as a Probation Officer 1.
Special Requirement: Where required, possession of a current driver’s license or the ability to otherwise meet the transportation requirements of the position.
Note:  Social science includes areas of study concerned with humans living in relation to other humans in a social environment and such as anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology and sociology.
Behavioral science is a subset of social science characterized by observation of the behavior of living organisms and focused on human social behavior such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, counseling, criminal justice, gerontology, human behavior, social work/social welfare and vocational rehabilitation.
Note: Individuals whose duties and responsibilities include the use of a firearm must also complete training pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Section 2.30(3).
Note: The class specifications including the minimum qualifications for positions in Probation Departments are established by rule and regulations of the Division of Criminal Justice Services. These class specifications are found in Title 9 NYCRR Part 347, Appendix H-10, Standard Specifications for Professional Probation Positions.
Note:  This position is allocated to the competitive class pursuant to Executive Law Section 257(1).
Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice Services or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.
ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.