PARDON AND PAROLE INVESTIGATOR, I41

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities involving investigations relative to clemency consideration for inmates within the state correctional system.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Performs parole docketing and redocketing duties on inmates which includes evaluating factors pertaining to the offender’s criminal background, analyzing details of the crime, calculating mathematical formulas on offender’s sentence resulting in required outcome and formulating projected release dates.
• Conducts a variety of caseload investigations in order to determine an inmate’s suitability for parole clemency; researches criminal justice files and records; conducts personal interviews with criminal justice agency staff and inmates; reviews all pertinent documents and records related to an inmate’s personal/social history, incarceration adjustment and progress toward suitability for release or clemency.
• Prepares written reports on inmates to be used in clemency consideration; makes professional recommendations regarding an inmate’s suitability for clemency and recommends various treatment programs prior to the inmates release and/or under community supervision; makes personal appearances before the Pardon and Parole Board to offer testimony on matters regarding clemency.
• Prepares correspondence relating to an inmate’s docketing status; answers inquiries from criminal justice agencies regarding an inmate’s docket status.
• Insures that computer files are updated on inmates; calculates docket dates; responsible for the accuracy of all information relative to an inmates parole status.
• Reviews all incoming inmates’ files and records; assures that all available information regarding an inmate is updated which includes offenders’ denial of parole or offenders waiving parole; researches various factors for subsequent parole consideration.
• Establishes and maintains close working relationships with criminal justice and social service agencies; represents agency in speaking before civic and public organizations.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Pardon and Parole Investigator job family consists of three levels which are distinguished based on the type and complexity of work, and the responsibility for the supervision of others.

Level I:                                                Code:  I41A                              Salary Band:  I

This is the basic level where incumbents perform entry level work under close supervision and receive training and assist in conducting a variety of caseload investigations to determine an inmate’s suitability for clemency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the Oklahoma criminal justice system; of the laws, rules and regulations regarding the parole process; and of report writing and record keeping.  Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of the statutory requirements of Title 57 O.S. Section 357:  “Professional investigators shall have a four year degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in psychology, sociology, criminal justice or related areas of study.  The agency may, at its discretion, *waive the requirement of a specific major and may substitute criminal justice experience for the requirement of a major in psychology, sociology, criminal justice or related areas of study”

*The Pardon and Parole Board will substitute two years of criminal justice experience for the requirement of a major in psychology, sociology, criminal justice or related areas of study, however, experience will not substitute for a four year degree.

Level II:                                               Code:  I41B                              Salary Band:  J

This is the career level where incumbents perform duties at the full performance level in conducting technical investigations for clemency consideration, including evaluating an inmate’s criminal justice record and personal history and making clemency recommendations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of laws, rules and regulations regarding the parole process; of the Oklahoma criminal justice system; of interviewing techniques; and of report writing and record keeping.  Ability is required to make reasonable recommendations regarding clemency consideration; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to conduct technical investigations relative to social/criminal/incarceration history; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to gather and analyze criminal justice information.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus two years of professional experience working in the criminal justice system.

Level III:                                              Code:  I41C                              Salary Band:  K

This is the leadership level where incumbents perform supervisory work in the conduct of investigations relative to clemency consideration.  Incumbents are responsible for the preparation and submission of all reports submitted by their assigned work group that are utilized by the Pardon and Parole Board for clemency consideration.  Incumbents will also make recommendations regarding agency operating policy and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.  Ability is required  to organize and present facts and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and to supervise the activities of investigative and clerical personnel.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two additional years of professional experience working in the criminal justice system.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants may be required to possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at the time of appointment in order to perform necessary travel and must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.