Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

State of Montana • Havre, MT

9d • 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.

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 district court judges.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing and various instruments to conduct risk and needs assessments and makes recommendations to address offender risks and needs.
• Interviews offenders, victims, witnesses, and other individuals to gather relevant information for Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports (PSI).
• Develops reports and determines appropriate sentencing and placement recommendations using specialized investigative and communicative skills, knowledge of laws, and cooperation with criminal justice agencies.
• Investigates the personal and criminal history of offenders through document searches and interviews.
• Gathers information and composes Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports (PSI) & Reports of Violation (ROV) for officer review.
• Distributes approved reports, ensuring accuracy, correct format, and compliance with court orders and division policies.
• Attends court on “Law & Motion” day in the absence of the probation & parole officer to obtain court dates and information.
• Testifies in court regarding the accuracy and authenticity of information contained within reports.
• Tracks offender reporting schedules, meeting supervision standards, and documenting offender chronos in OMIS.
• Assists in determining offender eligibility for Interstate Compact Supervision.
• Obtains and calculates restitution, court costs, and supervision fees, tracking financial obligations and corresponding with offenders.
• 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 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 ensuring 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