Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

State of Montana • Butte, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. The Public Safety Division operates Montana’s prisons safely and securely and provides supervision and support for offenders in the community through its Probation and Parole Bureau. The Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer position, guided by the Department of Corrections (DOC) mission, completes pre-sentence investigations and risk assessments to make recommendations to address the risks and needs of various offenders.

Requirements

• Associate degree in criminology, human behavior and social work or related fields AND two years law enforcement or public safety experience.
• Ability to type 40 wpm.

Nice To Haves

• Some higher education in criminology, human behavior and social work and related fields and two years’ experience in law enforcement or public safety preferred; OR a combination of higher education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes risk and needs assessments, at the order of the district court judges.
• Conducts risk and needs assessments using motivational interviewing and various instruments, and makes recommendations to address offender risks and needs.
• Interviews offenders, victims, witnesses, and other individuals with relevant information, and documents this information for the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report.
• Develops reports and determines appropriate sentencing and placement recommendations using specialized investigative and communicative skills, cooperating with other criminal justice agencies, and possessing a thorough knowledge of relevant laws, sentencing rules, and regulations.
• Investigates the personal and criminal history of the offender through document searches and interviews.
• Gathers information and composes Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports (PSI) & Reports of Violation (ROV) for officer review.
• Distributes approved reports, ensures accuracy and correct format, and verifies compliance with court-ordered conditions and public safety risks.
• Attends court on “Law & Motion” day in the absence of the probation & parole officer to obtain court dates and information for pre-sentence investigations and reports of violation.
• Testifies in court regarding the accuracy and authenticity of information contained within reports.
• Tracks offender reporting schedules, meeting supervision standards, ensuring pre-sentence investigation reports and deadlines are met, and documenting offender chronos in OMIS.
• Assists in determining offender eligibility for Interstate Compact Supervision based on community safety, compact criteria, treatment plans, residence, and receiving states' regulations.
• Obtains and calculates restitution, court costs, and supervision fees, tracks financial obligations, and corresponds with offenders regarding their financial situation.
• Enters offender information into OMIS /OMP and obtains OMIS DOC numbers for offenders.
• Collects and compiles statistical data, creates reports, and provides information to appropriate personnel and agencies.
• Assists Probation Officers (PPO) with obtaining and filing documentation for PSI and ROV reports.
• Gathers police record checks by calling law enforcement agencies or authorized persons and requesting criminal records.
• Receives information on DOC commits from officers and assists officers in ensuring all required documentation is assembled and forwarded to the records department.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous State of Montana Benefits
• May qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree