Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

State of Montana • Billings, MT

13d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The PSI Writer, at the order of the district court judges, conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes risk and needs assessments. Through the use of motivational interviewing, conduct risk and needs assessments and utilizing various instruments with offenders, makes recommendations to address the risks and needs of various offenders. Interviews the offender, victims, witness and other individuals who would have relevant information pertaining to the offender or the crime and reduce this information to writing what is contained within the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report. Develops reports and determines the appropriate sentencing and placement recommendations by using specialized investigative and communicative skills; through cooperation with other criminal justice agencies; a thorough knowledge of the laws, sentencing rules and regulations pertaining to probation, parole, incarceration, rehabilitation and treatment programs. Investigates the personal and criminal history of the offender through document searches and interviews with others. Gathers information and composes Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports (PSI) & Reports of Violation (ROV) for officer review. Distributes approved reports and ensures all documents are accurate and in correct format, signed, ensuring the Division’s policies are understood, followed, in compliance with court ordered conditions and identifies the public safety risks for the other state. Attends court on “Law & Motion” day, in absence of the probation & parole officer, to obtain court dates and information for pre-sentence investigation and reports of violation. Testifies through the direct and cross examination with prosecutors and defense counsel, in the court of law to the accuracy and authenticity of the information contained within the report. Tracks the offenders reporting schedules, meeting supervision standards, ensuring pre-sentence investigation reports and deadlines are met, and documenting offender chronos in OMIS. Assists in determining if an offender is eligible for Interstate Compact Supervision based on community safety, the compact criteria, treatment plan, residence, and receiving states individual regulations. Obtains and calculates restitution, court costs and supervision fees for monthly report and outstanding balances by calling and requesting logs from the county attorneys and the clerks of court; tracking financial obligations and corresponding with offenders to alert them to their financial situation; gathers information relevant to changes in court schedules. Enters offender information into OMIS /OMP and obtains OMIS DOC numbers for offenders. Collects and compiles statistical data; creates reports and provides information to the appropriate personnel and agencies. Assists PPO with obtaining and filing documentation necessary to complete the PSI and ROV reports. Gathers police record checks by calling law enforcement agencies or authorized persons within the department and requesting “rap” sheets or Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) criminal records on offenders. Receives information on DOC commits from officers and assists officer in ensuring that all required documentation is assembled and forwarded to the records department at the Montana State Prison.

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

• Completes pre-sentence investigations and risk assessments to make recommendations to address the risks and needs of various offenders.
• Conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes risk and needs assessments.
• Conducts risk and needs assessments using motivational interviewing and various instruments with offenders.
• Interviews offenders, victims, witnesses, and other individuals with relevant information.
• Reduces interview information into writing for the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report.
• Develops reports and determines appropriate sentencing and placement recommendations.
• 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).
• Distributes approved reports, ensuring accuracy, correct format, and compliance with court orders.
• Attends court on “Law & Motion” day to obtain court dates and information.
• Testifies in court regarding the accuracy and authenticity of information in the report.
• Tracks offender reporting schedules and ensures deadlines are met.
• Documents offender chronos in OMIS.
• Assists in determining offender eligibility for Interstate Compact Supervision.
• Obtains and calculates restitution, court costs, and supervision fees.
• Tracks financial obligations and corresponds with offenders regarding their financial situation.
• Gathers information relevant to changes in court schedules.
• Enters offender information into OMIS /OMP and obtains OMIS DOC numbers.
• Collects and compiles statistical data, creates reports, and provides information.
• Assists PPO with obtaining and filing documentation for PSI and ROV reports.
• Gathers police record checks by calling law enforcement agencies or authorized persons.
• Receives information on DOC commits from officers and assists in assembling documentation for the records department.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous State of Montana Benefits
• Potential 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