Court Services Officer I or II, DOQ

Whatcom County, WA • Bellingham, WA

379d

About The Position

Whatcom County Superior Court is hiring a Court Services Officer I or II, DOQ. This position organizes, coordinates and facilitates the efforts of diverse individuals, groups and agencies involved with Superior and Juvenile Court Administration. The Court Services Officer performs court services work at the professional entry level to provide statutory and support services in the areas of dependency proceedings, probation, Dependency and Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (VGAL), Minor Guardianship Guardian Ad Litem, BECCA bill, offender intake, diversion and offender supervision. Investigates, oversees, and counsels juveniles and/or families referred to the Court. Focuses on public safety, accountability, competency development in case planning. Assesses risk, develops case plans and monitors casework.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social or behavioral sciences, or a related field, AND two years of progressively responsible experience working with adolescents.
• Previous experience in the criminal justice system is desired.
• Knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System, state RCW & WAC's and court rules and procedures preferred.
• Experience with assessments and evaluations of juveniles and their families and knowledge of community resources and networking preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Court Services Officer II requires a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social or behavioral sciences, or a related field, AND two years of progressively responsible experience probation/court services work in Becca, Offender or Dependency case management.
• Required Trainings and Certifications: Satisfied the training requirements established by WAC 139-10-210 (RCW 43.101.220) and Criminal Justice Training Commission, OR Title 11 or Title 13 Guardian Ad Litem Training.
• Knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System, state RCW & WAC's and court rules and procedures preferred.
• Experience with assessments and evaluations of juveniles and their families and knowledge of community resources and networking preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises cases, monitors court orders, and provides support for all areas of Juvenile Court as assigned, including dependency proceedings, minor guardianships, Becca Bill programs (Truancy, At-Risk Youth, Child in Need of Services), offender pre-trial matters, offender supervision, diversion, and evidence-based programs.
• Completes intake process for juveniles and develops appropriate case plans using principles of risk/need/responsivity. Utilizes approved risk assessment tool as appropriate to inform recommendations.
• Performs caseload activities such as reviewing and monitoring pre-trial release conditions, making bail recommendations, and conducting pre/post sentence investigations. Develops probation agreements in accordance with court rules and juvenile's identified risks and needs.
• Recommends alternatives to detention when appropriate and utilizes graduated interventions to ensure community safety, accountability and competency development.
• Assists in organizing, coordinating and facilitating the Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (VGAL) volunteer program. Assists in implementing and analyzing the effectiveness of the VGAL program in Whatcom County. Participates in recruiting, training, and supporting Guardian Ad Litem volunteers for the VGAL program.
• Represents the best interest of children in dependency proceedings under Title 13 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or under Title 11 Minor Guardianships. Organizes, coordinates and facilitates the efforts of diverse individuals, groups and agencies within the Juvenile Division of Superior Court Administration. Implements programs and analyzes effectiveness.
• Oversees juveniles to ensure compliance with probation agreements. Monitors performance, maintains contact, and develops case plans for an assigned caseload in accordance with the department quality assurance plan and the statewide Case Management Assessment Process (CMAP).

Benefits

• Annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (approximately 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance.
• Negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree