Parole Officer jobs in West Virginia

Under general supervision at the entry-level, these positions perform professional work investigating, counseling, and providing ongoing oversight for adult probationers or parolees to assist in their readjustment to society. Work involves close contact with potentially dangerous clients with criminal backgrounds. Perform related work as required. 

Distinguishing Characteristics 

These positions are distinguished by the entry-level work in the investigation, counseling, and oversight of probationers and parolees.

Click The APPLY Link To Apply Online. 

IMPORTANT: Your eligible score will be based on information provided in your application; therefore, make sure your application is detailed and complete. You MUST complete ALL parts of the application, including the Work Experience section.

ATTENTION: Applicant must verify post high school education by submitting an official transcript or diploma, training or licensure earned pertaining to this position by the closing date of the posting, if not previously verified. If you are claiming Veterans preference, please submit "MEMBER 4" form and/or your VA Letter. Protecting your personal information is our highest priority.  If your official transcript, training/licensure, or Veterans documentation contains your Social Security Number and/or birthdate, please redact that information before submitting it to the Division of Personnel. 

Please attach documents to the online application before submitting it. Or, you may email it to: applicantservices@wv.gov or by mail to: WV Division of Personnel, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Building 3, Suite 500, Charleston, WV 25305.

This announcement is for one or more specific vacancies and only applies to the location(s) indicated. Your application will remain active for this job for 180 days or until the job is filled. Application for this job does not automatically qualify you for other positions. Be sure to submit your application for each position of interest.  To receive an email notice anytime jobs in this or other categories are posted, you may choose to complete a Job Interest Card from the slide-out menu located at the top left of our Job Opportunities page.

• Investigate background histories of probationers or parolees; review court files, police reports and other pertinent reports to gather information concerning clients. 

• Investigate activities of probationers or parolees to ascertain their level of readjustment to society. 

• Interview clients' family members, friends, employers, ministers, and other persons concerned with clients' readjustment to society.

• Oversee and counsel probationers or parolees via office visits, employment visits, telephone inquiries, community contacts and correspondence. 

• Write reports detailing clients' progress and other reports, as necessary.

• Enforce rules, regulations and conditions of clients' probation or parole.

• Prepare correspondence and petitions for filing in court, as necessary.

• Testify in court or before the parole board concerning matters pertaining to clients such as sentencing, trials, pleas and violations of probation or parole conditions. 

• Contact community resources to arrange services for probationers or parolees for job development and other services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of social and psychological principles of human behavior and environmental and cultural forces.

• Knowledge of modern principles of criminology and penology.

• Knowledge of community, social and economic resources for job placement and employment opportunities.

• Knowledge of probation and parole casework management and interviewing techniques.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and corrections process. 

• Ability to counsel probationers and parolees to aid in their readjustment to society.

• Ability to conduct interviews, assemble information and write clear and concise reports.

• Ability to assess clients' potential behavior patterns.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with probationers or parolees, co-workers, other agency representatives and the general public.

Training: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Preference shall be given to applicants with a degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Business Management, Management, Political Science, Industrial Relations/Management, Organizational Behavior/Management, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Social Work or closely related field.

OR

Substitution: Experience in counseling, law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, social services, and/or rehabilitation services may substitute for the required training at a rate of one (1) year of experience for every thirty (30) semester hours of required training.

Condition of Employment with Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR): 

Firearms are to be distributed at the discretion of the Commissioner of the DCR and anyone authorized to carry a firearm must successfully complete a psychological evaluation prior to issuance. Positions authorized to carry a firearm must meet annual training requirements established through the West Virginia Corrections Academy.