Pretrial Officer I (Probation Counselor I)

Fairfax County (VA)•Fairfax, VA

40d

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing case management services to juveniles and families involved in the court system. Monitors and supervises assigned juveniles by visiting them at their home, schools, or place of employment to ensure compliance of court orders specific to each individual case. Orients juveniles and families to rules of conduct / supervision plans, such as frequency and place of visits, expected actions in emergencies and sanctions for rule violations. May install electronic monitoring equipment when necessary. Provides face to face monitoring and supervision to assigned juveniles. Gathers information from families, school officials, therapists, and other collateral contacts to verify compliance. Files violations of court orders to request a formal court action or imposes informal sanctions when appropriate. Presents case information in the court hearing process. Makes recommendations to the judge that are consistent with relevant statutory criteria as to the release or incarceration of the defendant. Utilize behavioral interventions such as EPICS, according to agency practice. Schedule: The work schedule may include weekdays and weekends. May perform on-call duties on a 24-hour basis as required to respond to non-compliance/rules infractions, and remotely supervise juveniles with electronic monitoring devices.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles of psychology and sociology
Knowledge of current social and economic conditions
Ability to use technology to enter and retrieve information
Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to probation work
Ability to interview and counsel clients
Ability to prepare complete case records and reports
Ability to develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social/behavioral sciences, law enforcement, or education
Valid Driver's License (Required at the time of application)
Criminal Background Investigation
Child Protective Services Registry Check
Sanction Screenings
Driving Record Check
Ability to access clients at their homes, schools, places of employment, and in the community
Ability to communicate clearly in English in person, written, and on the phone
Ability to operate a motor vehicle
Sufficient physical ability to install electronic monitoring units on the person of clients
All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in social or behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or education is preferred.
Two years of professional experience in probation work, social work, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, or counseling is preferred.
Knowledge of criminal justice system and experience working with at-risk youth in a court setting.
Experience working in case management and client supervision.
Experience with using a probation case management system, such as Pretrial and Community Corrections case management system (PTCC), Pretrial Services and Local Probation (PSLP) or BADGE.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Ability to think quickly and exercise good judgement while working in independent settings.

Responsibilities

Formulates treatment or rehabilitation plans and presents written or oral recommendations for adjustment of behavior
Facilitates placement, supervises and monitors community service requirements, schedules payments, collects court costs and restitution, monitors urine tests
Supervises child visitations and exchanges involving estranged parents according to court orders or other relevant agreements
Conducts intake interviews and supervises offenders/defendants through office and home visits to verify compliance with court orders
Interviews juvenile or adult offenders, their families and related persons to determine the nature of the adjustment difficulty (e.g., whether it is environmental, school, and/or social)
Conducts field investigations
Refers offenders/defendants to other agencies or facilities as needed and maintains liaison with service providers to coordinate evaluations
Testifies in court and provides required written reports on adjustment and compliance to courts
Assesses short term goals, counsels offenders and provides opportunities for positive change
Provides crisis intervention services
Documents and composes case records, petitions and correspondence and periodically compiles related statistics
Aids clients in obtaining employment
Cooperates with representatives from State and local social service and law enforcement agencies in cases of mutual interest
Positions located in a residential facility supervise and direct house routines and therapeutic programs
Ensures that residents maintain behavioral norms
Maintains communication with a resident's probation counselor, school representative, employer, family, and significant others
Coordinates and implements a residential program area (e.g., recreational, educational, or employment activities)
Coordinates and transports detainees between the courts, the residential detention facility or other various facilities
Provides course instruction using Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) education curriculum Conduct intake assessments on new clients and make appropriate referrals.