Director of Probation & Court Services

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The Director of Probation & Court Services is responsible to the Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit or his designee for the total operation of Probation & Court Services and preparation of the budget. The Director is to work with the County Board in securing funds for the operation of the Probation & Court Services and in concert with other outside agencies for clients to become productive, law‑abiding citizens.

The Director, subject to the administrative approval of the Chief Judge, directs, administers and implements all phrases of Probation & Court Services, coordinates systems and procedures instituted by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC).

The Director also provides pre‑trial reports and pre‑sentencing investigations to the court and conducts pre‑transfer investigations and follow‑up reports and communication consistent with national and state standards.

• 1. Directs all activities and employees of Whiteside County Probation & Court Services; develops and directs policies and procedures; and develops and presents annual budget to the Whiteside County Board and/or its committees.
• 2. Recruits, selects and hires new staff, supervises, evaluates and/or oversees staff performances; and interprets policies and provides disciplinary action as needed.
• 3. Prepares and submits statistical, financial, and operational reports to AOIC, the County Board, and/or its committees and attends meetings as requested or required regarding the administration of funds or departmental activities.
• 4. Participates, cooperates, and collaborates with other criminal justice agencies.
• 5. Manages all budget activities.
• 6. Maintains all probationers' records to provide information to the court in compliance with the Probation Officers' Act (730 ILCS 110) as judicial employees.
• 7. Interviews offenders, obtaining information about present and all past offenses, social history and other pertinent facts; performs other investigative functions, obtaining and/or attempts to verify information; prepares and provides reports and appears at hearings to respond to questions and provide information.
• 8. Prepares written pre‑sentence reports on clients referred by the court, provides information to the court concerning disposition for optimal treatment of offenders; collects and evaluates information received from a variety of sources.
• 9. Prepares and maintains appropriate records and files for use and for dispensing to the courts and government agencies. These records and files include automated as well as hard copy records.
• 10. Demonstrates accountability, integrity and maturity in all aspects of the job.
• 11. Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, gather and evaluate information to make reasonable decisions, formulate policies and procedures; plan, direct and coordinate activities of Whiteside County Probation & Court Services staff; apply and adhere to applicable provisions of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, and delegate responsibilities that enhance the effectiveness of the department.

Any person employed in a Director position shall have:

• 1. A master's degree in management, public administration, criminal justice or social services, and five (5) or more years employment in probation/court services, at least three (3) of which are at a supervisory or administrative level; or,
• 2. A bachelor's degree and seven (7) or more years' employment in probation/court services, at least four (4) of which are at a supervisory or administrative level.

Candidates must have the ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules; knowledge of the criminal justice system including related Illinois statutes, regulations, procedures, and operations at the trial court level; ability to understand the various components of evidence‑based practices including pragmatic applicability and implementation; working knowledge of curriculum…