JUDICIARY OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Code: 77210 Unknown Unknown

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

A position in the Judiciary Case Processing Band Probation Officer Track, both on-site and remotely, conducts pre-disposition interviews and investigations and prepares reports and/or court orders; calculates child support obligations; collects court-ordered payments; conducts consent conferences related to custody, parenting time and/or child support; monitors and enforces conditions of probation and/or court order; provides access to social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders; and/or makes recommendations for alternate dispute resolution, adjudication, rehabilitation planning and treatment of offenders, including conditional release, substance abuse treatment, and education and employment stipulations. This track is used to classify positions in the vicinage Probation, Family, and Criminal Divisions.<

Examples of work

Level 1 Annotate calendars with additional information required by judges Answer questions posed by judges, the public, clients, customers, complainants, co-workers, subordinates, stakeholders and/or supervisors Collect and/or maintain statistics or data to generate reports Compile records or other written materials Compose routine correspondence, such as form letters or standard replies to inquiries Conduct investigations Determine status of complaints in accordance with established procedures or regulations Document how work is performed Explain judiciary policies or procedures Gather relevant facts pertaining to cases Greet customers, clients or visitors Inform managers about clients'/customers' work progress or related matters Interview court users and document acquired information; identify specific needs and available options and/or resources Investigate clients' or customers' personal or legal history Maintain electronic or hard copy records, files, or other materials Moderate virtual proceedings; for example, send virtual invitations for proceedings, provide general instructions to the participating parties and control the virtual proceeding and locations of parties within the main proceeding and various breakout rooms Monitor case work flow Monitor clients' or customers' payment pattern of court ordered payments Monitor location of clients or customers Operate electronic or manual information systems and equipment Participate in team/work unit meetings Prepare investigative fact-finding reports Provide information to Judges, outside agencies, attorneys, court users, co-workers or community organizations Provide quality customer service to court users and/or internal customers Provide cross-training to co-workers; for example, demonstrate to other staff how you perform your work Review clients' or customers' records Review documents submitted to their court for compliance with court rules and approved practices Schedule meetings, appointments, interviews and other activities necessary for accomplishing job assignments Verify addresses, employment, or community contacts of prospective probationers, program participants or obligees Verify authenticity or validity of documents Verify clients' or customers' eligibility for assistance Verify clients' or customers' information Verify entered data against source documents Write case notes or draft other case related correspondence Level 2 Act as a liaison and/or establish working relationships with divisions, vicinages or other outside organizations Adhere to and apply statutes, court rules, case law, manuals or policies for cases related to clients or customers Advise justices, judges, management, committees, conferences and/or members of a tribunal on legal or case issues Advise the families or guardians of clients or customers on court processes or procedures Analyze case and party histories Analyze case processing and/or bail from intake through disposition Analyze cases in accordance with existing laws, regulations or professional practices Approve continuances or adjournments in adherence to state or local division rules or practices Arrange for clients' or customers' admission or discharge into/from facilities Arrange for clients' or customers' enrollment into training or educational programs Arrange for necessary testing of clients or customers Assemble case files, documents or exhibits for hearings, trials or meetings Assist parties, attorneys and jurors participating in virtual or in-person proceedings Check written reports for completeness and accuracy Collect court-ordered payments Collect samples or specimens to test for alcohol or substance abuse Complete subpoenas, writs, or other related legal documents Conduct consent conferences for parents, guardians, and extended family members on such issues as child support, custody, or visitation rights Conduct home assessments, visits and inspections Conduct pre-court conferences Conduct risk assessments Consult with clients' or customers' treatment team Coordinate activities between or among agencies or other government or enforcement units Coordinate attorney's availability or readiness for hearings, trials and other court events Coordinate evaluations with external agencies/providers Determine the existence of a crisis situation for a client, customer and/or defendant requiring professional intervention Develop treatment, including drug treatment, plans for clients or customers through community contacts Discuss marital or other relationship problems and available resources with clients or customers Discuss substance abuse issues with clients or customers Draft correspondence, reports, memos or proposals Examine transcripts, case files, records or other materials to determine issues or sufficiency of evidence for certification and/or recommendations Explain conditions of program, probation or community service Explain reliefs of restraining orders to victims and defendants Gather affidavits, evidence, evaluations or other materials for hearings or trials Identify clients' or customers' case management needs or areas of concern Inform clients or customers of available agency support programs or services Inform litigants on the procedures related to case management Interpret and analyze accounting, financial, statistical or other data Maintain department issued equipment and/or assigned fleet vehicle Manage case flow and/or monitor outcomes May place electronic monitoring devices on clients/customers in accordance with state law and department policy Monitor clients' or customers' treatment progress Monitor terms of services and/or conditions in compliance with court orders Oversee progress of adult or juvenile offenders in complying with court ordered terms of probation or program and in counseling recommendations Present facts of case at hearings or court proceedings Prepare cases for hearing Prepare court orders Prepare report of findings from research Prepare technical, statistical, financial, or evaluation reports Prepare trial notices and/or calendars Prioritize cases Provide guidance to clients or customers with personal problems or specific needs, for example, social, emotional, financial, vocational, rehabilitative Provide guidance to the families or guardians of clients or customers, including recommendation of treatment programs and counseling alternatives Provide testimony as an officer of the court Recommend alternative living arrangements for juvenile or adult clients or customers Recommend appropriate court orders for submission to the courts Recommend cases to court for adjudication or other dispute resolution mechanism Recommend enforcement of federal, state, county or local laws according to client's compliance to terms of probation or program Recommend improvements in operating procedures, programs, standards, work processes, or administrative practices Recommend incarceration of violators of probation or program Recommend procedures to ensure compliance with court orders Recommend social service agencies or community organizations to clients or customers Recommend strategies for case progression and meeting case management goals Recommend therapeutic or rehabilitative placements Recommend treatment, including drug treatment, programs for clients or customers through community contacts Refer clients to employment-related services Refer clients to treatment programs based on compliance with terms of probation or program Refer individuals to appropriate federal, state, county or local agencies Respond to attorney, litigant or citizen complaints Review case status with judges, managers and/or supervisors Review clients' or customers' probation, program and/or community service violations Review court activities for compliance with procedures, laws, court rules, or administrative directives Review financial information in accordance with policies and procedures and/or system and auditing requirements Review trial or other calendars for appropriate calendar balance Review trial or other calendars for completeness or accuracy Screen and assign cases to appropriate track or event Summarize dispositions, interrogatories or testimony Utilize sanctions and incentives with clients Utilize evidence-based practices Write reports for the court on which judicial determinations will be based Level 3 Conduct financial audits for accuracy, compliance or legitimacy following standards to maintain security or confidentiality Coordinate work activities of unit or team members Determine clients' or customers' treatment objectives Direct and/or coordinate work between units or teams Discuss specialized treatment or supervision with adult and/or juvenile clients or customers as needed Evaluate clients or customers with more complex or chronic problems Facilitate crisis intervention counseling Facilitate group counseling sessions Facilitate individual counseling sessions Give advice or assist staff or team members with work in progress Identify barriers to successful completion of program and develop potential solutions Identify intervention points and develop strategies for resolution Participate in the development of operational programs, procedures, practices and standards Provide structured training Serve on committee(s) or task force(s) Work with stakeholders to address the needs of clients Level 4 Act as lead worker to team members or other group of non-subordinates in assigned tasks Design case management processes Evaluate case management systems to offer suggestions or solutions to existing problems Mentor and coach clients or customers Mentor and coach staff or team members; provide direction and feedback Provide higher level technical advice and/or expertise to staff, peers or management Resolve disputes, conflicts or problems regarding programs or services<

Requirements

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Education

Levels 2, 3 and 4 A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any area, which includes or is supplemented by 24 credit hours in the behavioral or social sciences.<

Experience

Level 1 Two years of paraprofessional experience in casework involving the collection of facts, securing, and verifying socioeconomic data, obtaining information by observing conditions, examining records, interviewing individuals, and/or preparing investigative reports of findings. Level 3 Two years of professional experience in interviewing clients and/or casework involving gathering and analyzing socioeconomic information; determining client treatment needs; providing access to social services, therapeutic interventions, rehabilitative assistance, or professional counseling; and/or preparing reports and/or orders including findings and recommendations. Level 4 Four years of professional experience in casework involving gathering and analyzing socioeconomic information; determining client treatment needs; providing access to social services, therapeutic interventions, rehabilitative assistance, or professional counseling; and/or preparing reports of findings and recommendations.<

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/SPECIAL SKILLS/CONSIDERATIONS BILINGUAL IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH VARIANT The above examples of work are to be performed by utilizing Spanish or English, as required, depending on the needs of the individual persons communicated with during the course of official duties. Such examples do not require an individual to interpret or translate any court proceeding or in any other context. Title Level Title Description Title Code Svc Week Year 1 Investigator (C) 35 12 Investigator (Bil. Spanish/English) (C) 35 12 2 Probation Officer (C) NE 12 Probation Officer (Bil. Spanish/English) (C) NE 12 3 Sr. Probation Officer (C) NE 12 Sr. Probation Officer (Bil. Spanish/English) (C) NE 12 4 Mstr. Probation Officer (C) NE 12 Mstr. Probation Officer (Bil. Spanish/English) (C) NE 12 More information regarding classified titles is available at the New Jersey Civil Service Commission website at http://www.nj.us/csc Effective Date: 10/4/2025

TRACK

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LEVEL SUMMARY

Level 1 - Paraprofessional (Investigator) : Employees at this level conduct interviews and perform investigatory work including initial case work-up and data entry in support of pre- and post-dispositional functions, complaints, allegations, enforcement activities, and other court services. Prepare reports for the court, monitor case flow, and provide case information to requesters. Provide cross-training to co-workers by demonstrating how tasks are performed. In Child Support Enforcement, manage a caseload requiring minimal follow up. Level 2 - Basic Professional (Probation Officer) : Employees at this level perform case management functions, pre-disposition and intake functions, and prepare reports for the court. Monitor and enforce conditions of probation and/or court orders. Refer clients to treatment programs, therapeutic or rehabilitative placements, and arrange referrals to appropriate agencies. Make recommendations to the court. Present recommendations in court hearings for hearing officer or judge. Level 3 - Journey Professional (Senior Probation Officer) : Employees at this level perform case management functions and prepare reports for the court. Direct the activities of the probationer of a higher-level complex case type. Refer clients to treatment programs, therapeutic or rehabilitative placements, and arrange referrals to appropriate agencies. Handle higher level complex responsibilities in addition to assigned caseload. Make recommendations to the court. May advise staff or team members with work in progress. Provide structured training. Level 4 - Mastery Professional (Master Probation Officer) : Employees at this level perform case management functions and prepare reports for the court. Direct the activities of the probationer at a higher-level complex case type. Refer clients to treatment programs, therapeutic or rehabilitative placements, and arrange referrals to appropriate agencies. Handle higher level complex responsibilities in addition to assigned caseload. Make recommendations to the court. Assigned to act as mentor or lead worker, provide technical advice and expertise, and/or as act as a subject matter expert. NOTE: The above summary and following examples of work are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties, which may be performed. Tasks are cumulative; higher level include the tasks associated with lower. Positions may be assigned higher-level tasks or duties outside their designated band, provided these assignments are consistent with established classification standards and do not warrant reclassification of the position in accordance with those established standards.<

COMPETENCIES

NOTE: The following competencies are cumulative in nature. For example, lower-level competencies are prerequisite to higher levels. Level 1 Attention To Detail - Thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Committed to providing quality services. Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations. Knows about available products and services. Flexibility - Open to change and new information. Adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where and how to gather information. Organizes and maintains information or information management systems. Integrity and Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization. Displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the organization's standards, including confidentiality in court operations, when appropriate, and the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others. Trustworthy. Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, respect, collegiality, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others. Develops and maintains effective relationships with others; including effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed. Relates well with people from varied backgrounds and different situations. Sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. Participates fully in team activities. Models pro-social behavior in interactions with participants. Knowledge Retention - Recalls information that has been presented previously. Oral Communication - Effectively communicates information, for example, ideas or facts, to individuals or groups, taking into account the audience and nature of the information, for example, technical, sensitive, or controversial. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Organizational Awareness - Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how social, political, organizational and technological systems work and operates effectively within them, including the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the work or organization. Perceptual Speed - Quickly and accurately sees detail in words, numbers, pictures, and graphs. Public Safety and Security - Knowledgeable of investigation and inspection techniques and the rules, regulations, precautions, and prevention techniques for the protection of people, data, and property. Reading Comprehension - Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs or tables. Applies what is learned from written material to specific situations. Self-Management - Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals. Displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner. Works with minimal supervision. Motivated to achieve. Demonstrates responsible behavior. Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit. Works with others to achieve goals. Technical Application - Uses machines, tools, or equipment effectively. Uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. Written Communication - Composes correspondence, reports and other written material that is clear, concise, well organized and understood by recipient. Recognizes and uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Communicates information, for example, facts, ideas, or messages, in a succinct and organized manner. Produces written information, which may include technical material which is appropriate for the intended audience. Level 2 Conflict Management - Manages and resolves conflicts, confrontations, and disagreements in a positive manner which minimizes negative impact. Economics and Accounting - Knowledgeable of economic and accounting principles and practices, with technical competence in credit and collections. Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence - Knowledgeable of laws, legal codes, legal documents, court procedures, precedents, legal practices, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and government organization and functions. This generally includes court rules, practices and procedures, and rules of evidence. Mathematical Reasoning - Performs computations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division correctly using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages. Solves practical problems by applying a variety of mathematical and statistical techniques. Problem Solving - Identifies problems. Determines accuracy and relevance of information. Uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Psychology - Knowledgeable of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Maintains the boundaries of the dual role relationship, for example supervision and rehabilitation. Reasoning - Identifies rules, principles, or relationships between facts, data and other information. Asks pertinent questions to acquire needed information. Analyzes information and makes logical inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Stress Tolerance - Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations, for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job. Works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job. Advises others on technical issues. This includes knowledge in Human Services, Probation, Court Practices and Procedures, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Rules of Evidence, Legal Research and/or Social Casework. Continues to acquire new knowledge to perform assigned tasks as technology evolves. Therapy and Counseling - Knowledgeable of diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental ailments, and career guidance. Level 3 Client Orientation - Anticipates and meets the needs of clients. Achieves quality end products. Committed to improving services. Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, with technical competence in the analysis and reporting of financial data. Education and Training - Knowledgeable of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods. Influencing/Negotiation - Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior. Works with others towards agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions. Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements. Determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them. Coordinates with other organizations, or parts of the organization, to accomplish goals. Monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Teaches Others - Helps others learn through formal or informal methods. Identifies training needs. Provides constructive feedback. Coaches others on how to perform tasks. Level 4 Creative Thinking - Develops new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to effectuate improvements or to resolve problems. Designs strategies as necessary where established methods and procedures are inapplicable, ineffective, inefficient or unavailable. Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions. Perceives the impact and implications of decisions. Commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals. Recommends, devises, and/or implements change. Effectively deals with ambiguity. Leadership - Influences, motivates, and challenges others. Adapts leadership style to a variety of situations. Visualization - Mentally organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects or other information, for example, visualizes a building from a blueprint or sees the flow of work activities from reading a work plan.<

SUBSTITUTION

Level 1 Applicants may substitute semester hour credits from an accredited college or university for the required experience on a year-for-year basis with 30 semester hour credits being equal to one year of experience. Levels 3 and 4 A master's degree from an accredited college or university in the behavioral or social sciences may be substituted for one year of the required experience.<