PAROLE OFFICER RECRUIT BILINGUAL IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

Testing information for the State Parole Board Parole Counselor Trainee and Parole Officer Recruit Bilingual positions can be found on the New Jersey State Web Site at http://webapps.dop.state.nj.us/Vats/WebAnno.aspx?FileNumber=11749

The closing date to apply for the Parole Counselor Trainee test is March 13, 2009 and the closing date for the Parole Officer Recruit Bilingual test is March 17, 2009.

View Job Specification for Parole Officer Recruit

View Job Specification for Parole Officer Recruit (Bilingual, English & Spanish)

Somerset County Police Academy - Parole Officer Recruit Training

Parole Officer Recruits work under the immediate supervision of a Sergeant within the Parole Board's Division of Parole. Prior to being assigned to one of the Division's district offices, recruits must complete a 24-week Police Training Commission (PTC) certified academy course that includes arrest procedures, investigation techniques, parolee supervision,and other law enforcement subjects including unarmed defensive tactics and firearms training.

Upon successful completion of the academy training, a recruit is empowered to act as a law enforcement officer anywhere in the State of New Jersey and will assist Senior Parole Officers in the performance of parolee supervision duties for a one-year probationary period. During this probationary period, the recruit will work under the close supervision of an officer mentor or as a member of a group to receive on-the-job training and instruction.

Recruits will become familiar with programs that address the social, emotional and economic adjustment of parolees re-entering society. These programs include assistance with housing, education and employment, addiction and mental illness. As part of this process recruits will participate in developing parole plans for prospective parolees and write reports to be used in the preparation of case histories. When a parolee arrives at the district office for a first visit, recruits will interview them and explain the conditions of their parole.

As part of their ongoing training, recruits will learn to recognize and rapidly evaluate potentially dangerous situations involving parolees or parole violators, and to exercise caution, restraint and judgement in handling these circumstances to avoid personal injury and protect public safety. Recruits will also assist in placing parole violators under arrest, act as liaisons with local law enforcement and other agencies, and coordinate collection efforts for court-imposed revenue obligations.

Parole Officer Recruit eligibility requirements include graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related Social or Behavioral Science. Each candidate must be at least 18, a citizen of the United States, and must pass a civil service examination administered by the New Jersey Department of Personnel.

Print Version

View Job Specification for Parole Counselor Trainee

Parole Counselor Trainees work under a Release Division supervisor at the State Parole Board's Central Office in Trenton, or satellite office at one of the State's 13 correctional facilities. Trainees learn to review and maintain inmate case files, calculate parole eligibility dates and schedule parole hearings for State inmates housed in both State and County correctional facilities.

Trainees learn how to perform to determine parole eligibility dates for an assigned caseload of inmates. These dates must be provided to inmates within 90 days of their admission to state prison. Under the close supervision of Parole Counselors, trainees will review weekly computer-generated lists to determine which inmates are eligible for parole consideration, and submit the names for publication to each County Prosecutor's office for review. The Prosecutor's office is given the opportunity to object to an inmate's parole release where they deem it appropriate to do so.

Principal Parole Counselors will supervise trainees in coordinating the Initial Parole Hearing process including certification of pre-parole packages, scheduling of hearings and providing supportive services to the Hearing Officers and Board Panel members. Part of this process involves preparation of case files and other relevant materials including psychological and behavioral reports, educational and programmatic accomplishments and detailed criminal histories. Trainees will verify that all pre-hearing processes have been completed, and will ensure that the panel hearing process proceeds in accordance with State regulations.

Parole Counselors work with trainees conducting interviews at various stages of the parole process to provide information to inmates who may be eligible for parole, and provide advice to inmates concerning parole eligibility and parole plans. Trainees will learn to complete discharge plans for offenders being released to parole supervision. They are also responsible for the review and preparation of responses to inmate correspondence regarding the parole process within a specified time frame.

Parole Counselor Trainee eligibility requirements include graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree. Potential candidates must pass a civil service examination administered by the New Jersey Department of Personnel.

Print Version