Parole & Probation Specialist 2

Posting number: 2026-03839

Department: DPS - PAROLE & PROBATION

Job classification: PAROLE & PROBATION SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open Competitive

Categories: Public Safety

Summary

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting to underfill two Parole and Probation Specialist 3 positions within the Parole and Probation Division in Reno.

Incumbents in the Court Services Units perform advanced investigative and reporting functions including conducting comprehensive pre-sentence investigations by examining the defendant’s childhood, family background, education, employment history, and prior criminal history, including verification of prior offenses and dispositions. Incumbents analyze the instant offense and gather detailed information regarding the circumstances of the crime. Specialists are responsible for interviewing defendants to assess accountability, behavior patterns, and criminogenic needs, as well as contacting victims through written correspondence or direct communication to obtain victim impact information. Interview collateral sources such as employers, and treatment providers to ensure a complete and accurate assessment. The role requires evaluation of substance abuse history and mental health issues, identifying treatment needs and incorporating these factors into the report. Incumbents prepare detailed, objective pre-sentence investigation (PSI) reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to legal standards and deadlines. Prepare thorough, objective pre-sentence investigation (PSI) reports by compiling and verifying relevant background, offense, and behavioral information to support the court in reaching fair, informed, and just sentencing decisions. Specialists attend court proceedings and may present findings or provide testimony regarding their investigations. They maintain ongoing communication with judges, attorneys, victims, and other stakeholders throughout the process.

Examples of duties

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; OR graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of paraprofessional and/or technical experience interviewing, providing guidance, and explaining rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and/or program criteria; OR one year of experience as a Parole & Probation Specialist I in Nevada State service; OR one year of experience as an Administrative Assistant IV in Nevada State service performing duties as described above; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Qualifications

Process documentation associated with the release of offenders being paroled, in residential confinement, in drug court supervision, and residing in a state other than Nevada; review files received from the court/parole board for required signatures, pre-release plan, criminal history, parole eligibility dates, and the terms and conditions of parole/probation.

Research the criminal and personal history of the offender including the facts surrounding the current offense, special conditions of release involving restitution, drug and alcohol treatment and testing, counseling and/or community service; obtain reporting instructions and transfer offender files to the appropriate location; notify victims prior to release of offenders or of special circumstances as requested; contact law enforcement agencies that have placed a hold on the offender and arrange for parole to the agency’s custody; contact service providers such as residential and inpatient programs and arrange for program participation upon release from custody.

Monitor offenders through written correspondence and the telephone; contact family, friends, neighbors, employers, treatment counselors and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the parolee or probationer is in compliance with stipulated agreements; establish and monitor compliance with payment plans and renegotiate payments if offender falls in arrears; track actions taken by the court/parole board; prepare various reports regarding violations of probation or parole, progress or discharge, and monthly caseload status; advise and direct offenders to comply with the terms of parole and/or probation.

Develop and maintain case files for each offender containing legal documents regarding criminal history, probation and parole agreements, monthly reports, correspondence and records which chronologically list contacts with the offender; develop and execute case plans; compile information, present recommendations, and submit various reports and documents to the court/parole board for review and action after obtaining supervisory approval; audit case files in compliance with agency standards; prepare statistical reports detailing case activity to conform with agency requirements.

Monitor and track hearing dates; provide documentation for hearings; make appearances at hearings and provide testimony as necessary; obtain hearing results and follow up on court/parole board directives, actions, and recommendations.

Incumbents at this level perform duties as described in the series concept and either: 1) Work in the Pre-Release Unit and track and monitor a caseload of parolees/probationers who are currently incarcerated. OR 2) Work in the Interstate Compact Unit and track and monitor offenders. OR 3) Work in the Warrants and Extraditions Unit and review, process, and transfer warrant and extradition files. OR 4) Continue to work as a trainee and acquire additional skills and experience in performing duties in the Court Services Unit, Offender Supervision Unit, or Re-Entry Unit.

Supplemental information

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of: techniques used to maintain detailed information concerning cases; methods and techniques of interviewing, advising, and providing guidance to others; confidentiality rules and regulations; functions and purpose of the parole and probation system.

General knowledge of: criminal and administrative law and criminal procedure; legal procedures sufficient to prepare relevant documentation and testimony for a court; functions and jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies, related criminal justice agencies, and service entities; English composition skills sufficient to prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations to include correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to: apply casework principles and practices; read, interpret and evaluate client history from records and information system files; act decisively on administrative actions by recording and transmitting information in an authoritative and professional manner; read, interpret and evaluate various criminal statutes; evaluate financial information and make appropriate recommendations as required; calculate payments, arrearages, compile statistical data; read and understand violations of parole and probation agreements, directives, court and parole board orders, and act in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures; provide testimony before hearing boards, effectively communicate court and/or Parole Board orders, and division policies and procedures; prepare a variety of forms and reports according to established policies and procedures; operate computer equipment sufficient to enter, retrieve, and/or access information.

Recruiter Contact Information: Jose Villa jvilla@dps.state.nv.us