PAROLE COUNSELOR APPRENTICE STATE PAROLE BOARD

 DEFINITION:

 Under the direction of a supervisor at the State Parole Board, 
 in a  two (2) year training program, receives formal and 
 on-the-job training to review and maintain inmate case files, 
 calculate parole eligibility dates and schedule parole hearings 
 for State inmates housed in State and County correctional
 facilities; does other related duties.

 NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
 purposes only. A particular position using this title may not 
 perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, 
 all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

 EXAMPLES OF WORK:

 As an Apprentice and productive worker, while receiving
 appropriate degree of training and supervision:

 Learns how to perform mathematical calculations to 
 determine parole eligibility dates for an assigned caseload 
 of inmates;  provides inmates their actual parole eligibility 
 date within 90 days of their admission to the State prison.

 Under close supervision, reviews weekly computer-generated 
 lists to determine which inmates are eligible for parole 
 consideration and submits the names of eligible persons for 
 publication to each County Prosecutor's office for review.

 Learns how to assist the Principal Parole Counselor with 
 the coordination of the Initial Parole Hearing process; certifies 
 pre- parole packages for accuracy and completeness, schedules 
 hearings and provides supportive services to the Hearing Office.

 Learns how to provide assistance to the Board Panel prior to 
 and during panel hearings; prepares case files and other relevant 
 materials, verifies that all pre-hearing processes have been 
 completed, ensures the adequate operation of recording 
 equipment and ensures that the panel hearing proceeds in 
 accordance with State and Agency rules and regulations.

 Under close supervision, conducts interviews at various stages 
 of the parole process to provide information to inmates who may 
 be eligible for parole; provides advice and assistance to inmates 
 concerning parole eligibility and parole plans.

 Learns how to review and prepare of responses to inmate
 correspondence regarding the parole process within a 
 specified time frame.

 Establishes and maintains computer records and paper files.

 Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or manual recording and information systems used by 
 the agency, office, or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

 EDUCATION:

 Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
 Bachelor's degree.

 LICENSE:

 Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid
 in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
 mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
 
 Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information.

 Ability to learn how to identify the problems encountered in 
 interviewing and counseling inmates regarding parole eligibility.

 Ability to learn the resources and techniques needed to assist 
 the inmate population.

 Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them 
 to specific situations.

 Ability to conduct interviews and to provide advice and 
 assistance to inmates.

 Ability to learn how to evaluate individual cases and identify 
 problem areas.

 Ability to communicate with inmate population.

 Ability to learn how to perform complex mathematical calculations.

 Ability to review, analyze and interpret material or parole cases 
 for preparation of reports and evaluations.

 Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
 with those interested or involved with the work of the program.

 Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.

 Ability to establish and maintain records and files.

 Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual 
 recording and information systems used by the agency, office, 
 or related units.

 Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in 
 English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American 
 Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable 
 forms of communication.

 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as 
 long as they can perform essential functions of the job after 
 reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. 
 If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause 
 the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

 ADVANCEMENT
 
 Appointee's work performance will be reviewed and rated 
 semi-annually during the two (2) year apprenticeship program.
 Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program,
 appointees will be eligible for advancement to the title of
 Senior Parole Counselor, in accordance with Department of 
 Personnel procedures.

 The inability of an employee in the Apprentice title to attain 
 the required level of performance stipulated in each of the 
 twelve (12) month training periods shall be considered a 
 cause for separation from employment.

 CODES:  19/P19  -  61851         MER             8/02/08