Court Services Specialist I

Guilford County•201 S Eugene Street Greensboro, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Court Services Specialist I conducts defendant interviews, public safety assessments, criminal-history research, court support, and assigned case-management duties for the Pretrial Services program. The role provides accurate, timely, objective information to assist judicial officials in considering bonds and conditions of pretrial release. It coordinates with jail personnel, court officials, and community agencies, connects defendants with appropriate services, and monitors assigned defendants for compliance with court-ordered release conditions. The position works under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Program Manager. The employee primarily prepares daily reports for First Appearance Court by interviewing jailed defendants scheduled for first appearance in District Court; verifying information through contacts with family, friends, and employers; completing Public Safety Assessments; researching cases, custody status, criminal records, and data discrepancies; and attending court to provide information for consideration of bond and pretrial release conditions. The role also coordinates activities among jails, courts, and community or governmental agencies. Some eligible defendants are released for monitoring by Court Services. The employee must work independently with minimal supervision, interpret and apply statutes and judicial procedures, and orally present information in court when requested. Most work is performed in a courthouse, usually in an office or courtroom. The position may require driving a County-owned or personal vehicle for County business; a valid driver's license and compatible driving record may be verified, and appropriate insurance is required when using a personal vehicle for County business.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: a four-year college or university degree, preferably in a related field, and one year of experience in criminal courts, the criminal legal field, criminal investigations, or defendant-based community programs; an associate degree, preferably in a related field, and three years of such experience; or a high school diploma or GED and five years of such experience.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.
Excellent computer skills to retrieve and input information.
Knowledge of pretrial release processes, criminal justice procedures, court and jail operations, and community resources.
Ability to interpret and apply statutes, judicial procedures, program policies, and assessment instructions.
Ability to conduct effective interviews and communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, orally and in writing.
Ability to research and verify criminal history, case dispositions, and custody information and prepare accurate, objective reports.
Ability to explain court-ordered conditions and accurately document compliance or noncompliance.
Ability to organize work, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently while recognizing matters requiring supervisory review.
Ability to use computer systems for research, case documentation, data entry, and statistical reporting.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
For trainee qualification: graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably in a related field. A copy of transcripts must be submitted with the online application; official college transcripts are required at hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree and one year of actual court experience providing information to the courts orally and in writing.
Education in a field related to the work.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily interviews with incarcerated defendants scheduled for first appearance and obtain and verify information relevant to pretrial assessment, including community ties.
Complete Public Safety Assessments according to established procedures and explain the interview and Pretrial Services process to defendants.
Research criminal histories using authorized local, state, and national information systems; review charges, case dispositions, custody status, and other relevant records.
Identify and resolve information discrepancies when possible, document information that cannot be verified, and prepare accurate assessment materials within court deadlines.
Prepare files, reports, and supporting documentation for First Appearance Court.
Attend court to provide Pretrial Services information, respond to questions from judges and attorneys, and present information orally when requested.
Document court decisions about bonds, release conditions, supervision requirements, and follow-up tasks.
Monitor assigned defendants for compliance with court-ordered pretrial release conditions and explain those conditions and supervision requirements.
Coordinate referrals for assessments, treatment, or other services as appropriate.
Document defendant contacts, service referrals, court involvement, and compliance-related activities; prepare written noncompliance reports and provide testimony in District and Superior Courts as required.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records in program databases and case files; compile information for monthly, quarterly, and yearly statistical reports.
Coordinate activities among jails, courts, community organizations, and governmental agencies.
Perform related duties as assigned.