Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

State of Montana•Billings, MT

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About The Position

The Montana Department of Corrections is hiring a Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer for its Probation & Parole Bureau, with locations listed in Billings or Miles City, Montana. Guided by the Department’s mission of accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment, the position completes pre-sentence investigations and risk and needs assessments, then makes recommendations to address offenders’ risks and needs. The position requires travel to the Miles City office weekly and as needed for office operations. At the direction of district court judges, the writer interviews offenders, victims, witnesses, and other relevant individuals; investigates offenders’ personal and criminal histories; and prepares Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Reports of Violation for officer review. The role develops sentencing and placement recommendations using investigative and communication skills, cooperation with criminal justice agencies, and knowledge of relevant laws, sentencing rules, and programs. It also supports probation and parole officers, court processes, offender records and schedules, financial obligation tracking, and records transfers.

Requirements

An associate degree in criminology, human behavior, social work, or a related field and two years of law enforcement or public safety experience; or a combination of higher education and experience.
Ability to type 40 words per minute.

Nice To Haves

Some higher education in criminology, human behavior, social work, or a related field, together with two years of law enforcement or public safety experience, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct court-ordered pre-sentence investigations and risk and needs assessments, including using motivational interviewing and assessment instruments.
Interview offenders, victims, witnesses, and other relevant individuals, and document relevant information in reports.
Investigate offenders’ personal and criminal histories through document searches and interviews.
Prepare Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Reports of Violation for officer review, and develop sentencing and placement recommendations.
Distribute approved reports and verify that documents are accurate, correctly formatted, signed, and consistent with division policies and court-ordered conditions.
Identify public safety risks for other states and assist in determining eligibility for Interstate Compact Supervision.
Attend court on Law & Motion days, when the probation and parole officer is absent, to obtain court dates and information related to investigations and violation reports.
Testify in court regarding the accuracy and authenticity of report information during direct and cross-examination.
Track offender reporting schedules, supervision standards, report deadlines, and offender chronos in OMIS.
Obtain and calculate restitution, court costs, and supervision fees; track financial obligations; and communicate with offenders about their financial situations.
Gather information about changes in court schedules.
Enter offender information into OMIS/OMP and obtain OMIS DOC numbers.
Collect and compile statistical data, create reports, and provide information to appropriate personnel and agencies.
Assist probation and parole officers in obtaining and filing documentation needed to complete reports.
Request police record checks, rap sheets, or CJIN criminal records from law enforcement agencies or authorized department personnel.
Assist officers with assembling and forwarding required documentation for DOC commits to the records department at Montana State Prison.