8452-Criminal Justice Specialist II

City and County of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, carries out a variety of complex research activities, analytical studies of socioeconomic factors, and administration of programs related to the criminal justice system or other criminal or juvenile justice entities or programs, including pretrial services, reentry initiatives, and violence prevention and reduction efforts. Coordinates and may supervise the work of subordinates engaged in such activities; provides consultation to outside groups and agencies on matters affecting criminal or juvenile justice programs; performs related duties as required. Positions in the class of Criminal Justice Specialist II carry responsibility for the performance of complex and important research and programmatic activities. Incumbents work with considerable independence and may act in a responsible capacity as consultants to outside groups or agencies regarding criminal justice activities, including court-based, community-based, and system-level efforts that support public safety, successful reentry, and reduced justice system involvement. This position may focus on one or more areas of specialization, including pretrial justice, reentry and rehabilitation, or violence reduction, while contributing to broader system-wide outcomes.

Requirements

Knowledge of modern research methods, criminal justice systems, pretrial justice practices, reentry frameworks, violence reduction strategies, and community resources.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, communicate in court and public settings, and prepare clear reports and memoranda.
Knowledge of modern research methods used in sociologic, demographic and criminalistic studies and of the San Francisco metropolitan area, its population and social problems specific to the area and the aims and purposes of the Criminal Council and criminal or juvenile justice systems; community resources and the needs and services available to multi-ethnic groups and disadvantaged juveniles and adults; principles, techniques and trends in alternative sentencing programs; community based organizations and the range of services provided.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community-based organizations, public and private agencies; communicate in court, at public hearings and with individuals of divergent ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds; prepare reports, memoranda, and spreadsheets.
Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a social or behavioral science, preferably sociology or criminology.
Two (2) years of experience in a position which involved the conduct of analytical research and studies in the field of social or behavioral science in a public defender’s office, community-based organization or a non-profit agency. This experience must include major responsibility for functions such as program administration, case management, data collection and analysis, and report writing.

Nice To Haves

Systems-focused criminal justice expertise , with the ability to analyze and support initiatives across pretrial decision-making, violence reduction strategies, and reentry outcomes to improve public safety and reduce unnecessary system involvement.
Data-informed and equity-driven approach , using research, assessment, and program evaluation to inform pretrial practices, strengthen violence prevention efforts, and support successful reentry and long-term stability.
Collaborative practice across sectors , working effectively with courts, community-based organizations, and justice partners to advance coordinated solutions in pretrial services, reentry support, and violence reduction.

Responsibilities

Court Liaison: Providing real‑time communication, coordination, and case support between Pretrial Services, the courts, local jails, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners. Serving as the primary in‑court representative for Pretrial Services, ensuring that judicial officers receive accurate, timely information necessary for informed pretrial release decisions. Attending arraignments and other court proceedings, appearing before judicial officers to provide case‑specific updates, progress information, and clarifications related to pretrial release reports, and responding to time‑sensitive inquiries in fast‑paced courtroom environments. Frequent entry into detention facilities to gather data, verify custody status, interview individuals in custody, and resolve criminal history discrepancies in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies. Engaging in ongoing communication and collaborative problem‑solving with justice partners, participating in planning and coordination meetings, and supporting smooth case processing across agencies. Performing work with moderate independence, exercising sound judgment when addressing complex or sensitive issues, and representing Pretrial Services professionally in both court and field settings.
Court Appearance Monitoring: Supervising client participation in court appearances and ensuring compliance with pretrial expectations during court‑related activities. Providing real‑time monitoring of client behavior and engagement, interacting directly with clients before and after hearings, and offering resources and guidance to support successful court participation. Observing client activity in court environments, identifying behavioral or compliance concerns, and communicating updates to pretrial officers and judicial partners as appropriate. Evaluating client needs, reinforcing court instructions, and providing information about services, referrals, or next steps. Serving as a key point of contact for clients navigating the court process, ensuring they understand procedural requirements and have access to available support. Exercising independent judgment, collaborating with court personnel, attorneys, and justice partners, and contributing to coordinated case planning. Representing Pretrial Services within the courtroom and maintaining professionalism in fast‑paced and high‑pressure settings. Supporting courtroom efficiency, client accountability, and positive pretrial outcomes through active monitoring, communication, and client engagement.
Case Management Monitoring: Overseeing case management activities for individuals on pretrial release, supervising case managers, and ensuring coordinated delivery of services and referrals. Providing leadership and guidance to case management staff, monitoring the quality and consistency of client service plans, and ensuring compliance with pretrial supervision requirements. Collaborating closely with the Reentry Division, community treatment providers, and criminal justice partners to support effective service linkage, continuity of care, and successful client outcomes. Coordinating assessments, referrals, and support services for clients; resolving barriers to service engagement; and ensuring that case managers follow established protocols, documentation standards, and evidence‑based practices. Exercising moderate independence and sound judgment in managing complex or high‑needs caseloads, reviewing case progress, and communicating updates to supervisors, pretrial officers, and partner agencies. Playing an essential role in maintaining client accountability, promoting stability during the pretrial period, and supporting systemwide collaboration with reentry programs and community‑based service networks.
Citywide Violence Response: Designing, coordinating, and evaluating strategies that promote community safety and reduce incidents of violence. Serving as subject‑matter leads in violence prevention and intervention, applying evidence‑informed approaches to interrupt cycles of harm and support rehabilitation of high‑risk individuals. Bridging the gap between law enforcement, government agencies, community‑based organizations, and service networks, facilitating strong partnerships and effective information‑sharing. Developing and implementing violence‑reduction initiatives, coordinating targeted outreach efforts, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex social, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to violence. Conducting strategic assessments, developing intervention plans, and evaluating program outcomes to support continuous improvement. Providing guidance to partners, delivering expertise in high‑risk case management, and ensuring services and supports are aligned with community needs and public‑safety goals. Work at this level requires advanced analytical ability, strong relationship‑building, and the capacity to work independently in dynamic and sensitive community and justice‑system environments.
Reentry: Coordinating and delivering reentry services to individuals transitioning from custody to the community, with a focus on stabilizing clients and supporting successful pretrial or post‑release outcomes. Assessing client needs, developing individualized service plans, and connecting individuals with housing, behavioral health, employment, education, and supportive services to reduce recidivism and promote long‑term stability. Collaborating with correctional facilities, the courts, community‑based organizations, and government partners to facilitate seamless transitions and ensure continuity of care. Working both inside jails and in community settings, meeting with clients prior to release, arranging referrals, resolving service barriers, and monitoring progress. Supporting data collection, program evaluation, and system‑level efforts to improve reentry outcomes. Performing duties with moderate independence, managing complex cases involving high‑needs individuals, and may provide guidance or mentorship to lower‑level reentry staff. Work requires strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of reentry practices, and the ability to navigate both correctional environments and community‑based service networks. Playing a key role in enhancing public safety by promoting rehabilitation, stability, and positive reintegration into the community.