Job Description

Posting number: 15GRANT0038

Department: Justice Services

Job classification: Pretrial Probation Officer*

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Human Services

Summary

This class provides assessment and monitoring for adult offenders in the criminal justice system, including pre-trial probation services and monitoring for defendants/offenders participating in jail diversion or court-ordered programs. Incumbents provide development, screening, assessment, supervision and monitoring of adults subject to pretrial assessment or probation. Duties may include: preparing referrals to criminal justice, mental health, and healthcare providers; completing pretrial supervision intake reports; conducting random drug screens and coordinating/supervising other court ordered testing; testifying in court; developing and maintaining professional relationships with collateral agencies such as judges and their staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and service providers; communicating case problems/issues; conducting investigations for bail recommendations; conducting regular supervision meetings with clients; monitoring client release conditions and addressing issues impacting client compliance; entering data into databases; maintaining files and completing file closures; conducting pretrial risk assessments; preparing client status and violation reports for the courts; and preparing reports, correspondence, and memoranda.

Supervision Exercised/Received:

• Exercised: This classification typically does not supervise other employees.
• Received: This classification typically reports to a senior officer.
• Note: Other reporting relationships may apply.

Examples of duties

• Obtaining commitment orders to determine a defendant's eligibility.
• Conducting interviews to gather background information about a defendant.
• Administering actuarial-based risk assessments to determine risk of re-offense and failure to report to Court.
• Making phone calls to collateral contacts to verify the information provided by the defendant.
• Determining a risk level and use an objective tool to make release recommendations.
• Generating reports from a database and package reports for arraignment hearings.
• Researching and entering outcomes of arraignment and bond hearings into a database.
• Conducting random urine screens to detect illegal drug use Equal Employment Opportunity Statement.
• Developing and maintain ongoing professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Performing other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor in accordance with agency policies, procedures and operational requirements.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Considerable knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications, such as CAIS, Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), Judicial Information System, VINELink, etc.
• Understanding and application of Evidence Based Practices (EBP) such as role clarifications, risk needs responsibility model, and EBP problem solving and cognitive training
• Use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to interact professionally with judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys and the general public.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating with various internal and external departments, following case management policies and procedures consistent with the EBP model in the probation/pretrial services.
• Demonstrated ability to make informed and logical decisions, organize and maintain confidential records and files, prepare client reports, pay attention to detail, maintain confidentiality and manage time effectively.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling
• Two years of related experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the class

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in the utilization of legal and evidence-based practices in community corrections
• Court proceedings, laws, legal code, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, etc.
• Human Behavior
• Criminal Behavior
• Strong skills in problem-solving, effective communication and administering actuarial-based risk assessments
• Proficiency in operating a case management database and Windows-based computer applications
• Experience working in areas with populations from local community corrections, state or federal probation/parole offices, social services agencies, juvenile probation offices, clients who have committed sex-based offenses, clients with mental health diagnoses, clients with substance abuse disorders, or clients who have committed intimate partner violence
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• ability to effectively work independently or as a member of a team
• VCIN certification
• Ability to speak Spanish fluently is strongly preferred

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• None required

Supplemental information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly finger, talk, hear, see, perform repetitive motions, and stand; and occasionally walk, crouch, and lift. The working conditions may include environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be sedentary work.

• Internal use: HR Generalist to review.