SSD - Casework Officer

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois•Chicago, IL

4d•$67,308 - $67,308•Onsite

About The Position

The Casework Officer works within the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Social Service Department. Depending on assignment, the role either gathers information to assist judicial decisions about pretrial release or manages post-conviction offenders through individualized supervision plans and specialized interventions. Assignments may include domestic or family violence, DUI programs, interstate or intrastate compact supervision, restorative justice, victim advocacy, GPS liaison work, sex offender supervision, intake and court liaison duties, and community service coordination. The role includes interviewing and assessing individuals, monitoring compliance with court orders and release conditions, coordinating referrals and services, maintaining case records, communicating with the court, and appearing in court on behalf of the Department. Staff must follow department policies, confidentiality standards, and the Code of Conduct for Sworn Officers. Pretrial Casework Officers are required to work weekends and holidays, with two weekdays off. The position requires in-person work for 100% of the scheduled work week. Employment is contingent on required screening, including a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Candidates must obtain certification from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services. Medical or recreational marijuana use is prohibited under the employer’s Drug Free Workplace policy and will disqualify a candidate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree at minimum.
Certification of eligibility for employment by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and certification by the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services.
Working knowledge of the criminal court system and probation policies and procedures.
Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Sensitivity to confidentiality issues.
Ability to operate the various computer systems used by the Department.
Valid Illinois driver’s license and availability of an insured motor vehicle.
Successful completion of all required screening criteria, including pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Perform duties in accordance with department policy, practice, and procedure, and adhere to confidentiality, professionalism, and the Code of Conduct for Sworn Officers.
Conduct criminal arrest-history checks using LEADS and other available management information systems in accordance with policy.
Implement supervision plans and action steps, and determine the type and frequency of individual or group reporting.
Conduct intake interviews in accordance with Department guidelines to place offenders in Department programs.
Advise the court about offender compliance, non-compliance, and other matters through required court-related correspondence.
Monitor caseloads using Department case management systems, including cFive, ICOTS, and UCCI.
Appear in court on behalf of the Department.
Participate in scheduled group or individual case management supervision.
Attend required training, including 40-hour Domestic Violence training and Illinois Mandated Reporter Training.
For pretrial assignments, obtain daily listings of misdemeanor offenders appearing for initial appearances or detention hearings.
For pretrial assignments, conduct Public Safety Assessment risk assessments and domestic violence screening instrument assessments for initial appearances and detention hearings.
For pretrial assignments, meet regularly with clients to address release conditions, conduct criminal record checks, remind clients of court dates, and provide court status reports on compliance.
For caseload assignments, conduct offender criminogenic-needs assessments, make referrals for programming, and provide caseload management.
Build and maintain collaborative professional relationships with service providers to monitor and support behavior change and compliance with court orders.
Build and maintain collaborative professional relationships with the judiciary to meet the needs of the court and offenders.
Conduct field contacts with offenders in accordance with Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts contact standards.
Complete drug testing when ordered by the court.