Job Description
Snohomish County District Court is hiring for a probation officer for our court's south county location. The successful candidate will have an understanding of best practices in community supervision, evidence-based programs, and effective case management tools.
BASIC FUNCTION
Perform a variety of professional casework activities for adults under order with Snohomish County District Court. Develop probation agreements in accordance with court orders and client needs. Supervise clients to ensure compliance with court orders, probation agreements, and provide other services as alternatives to incarceration.
Statement of Essential Job Duties
Conduct caseload activities such as client appointments, pre- and post-sentence investigations and pre-trial release. Prepare written and/or oral reports, including sentencing and case disposition recommendations to the court on time and with supporting documentation. Collect and assess information as requested by the court for bail/release investigations, indigent reviews, or sentencing recommendations.
Conduct and score risk assessment interviews to systematically gather information about a client and their history, which indicates the likelihood of re‑offending, determines the level of supervision required, targets areas for change, and measures outcomes of interventions. Develop intervention plans to decrease risk factors and behaviors, and enhance protective factors and behaviors, based upon the criminogenic needs of the client as determined by the standardized risk and needs assessment.
Oversee caseload activities by monitoring client performance that may include regular contact with clients, service providers, law enforcement agencies, and/or other justice programs. Assess, monitor and review compliance with the terms and conditions of court orders. Perform record checks in appropriate law and justice databases. Work with clients to pay court‑ordered fees and fines. Monitor the collection of restitution and payment to victims.
Participate in court hearings; provide oral and written recommendations to the Court.
Complete pre- and post-sentence investigation reports on orders from the Court containing summary background data gathered during in‑depth interviews with offenders. Assess problem areas to provide the Court with additional information regarding a defendant's criminal history, treatment history, probation history, family background, mental health status/diagnosis, and any mitigating or extenuating circumstances. Provide sentencing recommendations including level and duration of supervision, treatment recommendations, conditions of probation, jail time and alternative sanctions.
Assist probationers with problems that affect individual probation plans; assist in vocational, education, or employment planning; consult with higher-level personnel on difficult or complex cases.
Prioritize and plan work activities using resources effectively. Plan for additional resources and integrate changes efficiently and in a timely manner.
Provide guidance, counseling, and emotional support to assist clients in understanding and overcoming their problems; investigate and resolve crisis situations; refer probationers to community agencies as applicable to the individual case.
Monitor clients under jail alternative programs including community work service, jail workdays, or electronic monitoring to ensure court orders and jail alternative requirements are fulfilled. Provide reports indicating status and completion of jail alternative requirements.
Maintain, track and record documentation of all contacts made and actions taken. Research, retrieve, update and analyze information and data. Formulate recommendations anticipating possible ramifications and appropriately communicate significance of findings. Maintain and submit statistical reports of assigned activities.
Administer and secure drug and alcohol testing from court‑ordered individuals.
Respond to telephone and written requests for information from other probation departments, treatment agencies and criminal justice agencies.
Assist higher-level staff on more complex cases as directed. Perform other duties as assigned.
Position may represent District Probation as assigned, as a member of a therapeutic or alternative sentencing court.
Knowledge and Abilities
Interviewing skills and counseling techniques
Pre‑ and post‑sentence investigation techniques
Fundamentals and knowledge of the criminal justice systems
Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court systems
Business writing, grammar, punctuation and report preparation
Standard techniques in handling a caseload with appropriate level of supervision
Microsoft Office Suite
Ability To
Follow evidence‑based practices in the area of assignment and in accordance with departmental policies
Effectively interview offenders, convey ideas and obtain information; plan, coordinate, organize and schedule programs, processes and services
Prepare, research, analyze, administer and change plans, policies and work programs as necessary
Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges, and the general public
Use discretion, diplomacy, respect, and cultural awareness to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Interview, obtain information and coordinate defendant referrals to appropriate agencies for substance abuse disorders, domestic violence, sexual deviancy, mental health indications, as ordered by the court
Testify in court, communicate with referral sources, speak before community groups and prepare legal documents and reports
Read, understand, interpret, and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment
Initiate, compile, compose and/or edit correspondence, records, narrative, statistical and financial reports and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from appropriate sources is included and accurate
Maintain confidentiality as required by State law, Federal law, and office procedures
Maintain accurate, confidential records and the ability to utilize these skills to prepare detailed reports when requested
Type accurately a minimum speed of 40 words per minute
Work cooperatively as a member of a team
Exercise independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues and situations and comply with legal standards and requirements
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in psychology, social welfare, public administration, criminal justice or another field directly related to probation or social services work; AND one (1) year of experience, which includes counseling, interviewing, crisis intervention in a social services agency; OR two years of experience as a probation officer. Must pass job‑related tests.
Special Requirements
Applicants must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, reference and verification.
Applicants must successfully complete the Adult Services Academy per RCW 43.101.220 within six (6) months of hire date.
A valid Washington State Driver License is required for employment.
Applicants may be required to have their own transportation, and would be reimbursed for approved mileage.
Supervision
The employee reports to the Probation and Community Programs Manager, and accepts direction from the manager, director, or bench. Work performed is reviewed for quality, professional judgment and compliance with established goals and policies through conferences, reports and appraisal of results obtained. This work is performed with considerable independence in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in the office environment, the jail, courtrooms, and other settings. May sit or stand for long periods of time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing 20 pounds. Moves throughout the County facilities and periodically drives a motor vehicle to perform duties outside of the normal office location and hours. High possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language or intimidating behavior from clients and the public. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.
The screening process will include a review of minimum qualifications and applicants selected for an interview will be invited via email to self‑schedule a time through their NeoGov account. At minimum, this position will be subject to a standard criminal background check and professional reference check. This position requires accessing areas that contain Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS). For that reason, this position is also subject to a national fingerprint‑based records check.
For additional questions about the job posting, please contact Jen Crossen at Jennifer.Crossen@snoco.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice.
Job offers are contingent on successful completion of employment verification and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States. For any questions, reach out to SHR-Talent@snoco.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr Snohomish County, WA
Job Tags
Work at office, Trial period, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,