Pretrial Probation Officer

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This class provides assessment and monitoring for adult offenders in the criminal justice system, including pre-trial probation services and monitoring for defendants/offenders participating in jail diversion or court-ordered programs. Incumbents provide development, screening, assessment, supervision and monitoring of adults subject to pretrial assessment or probation. Duties may include: preparing referrals to criminal justice, mental health, and healthcare providers; completing pretrial supervision intake reports; conducting random drug screens and coordinating/supervising other court ordered testing; testifying in court; developing and maintaining professional relationships with collateral agencies such as judges and their staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and service providers; communicating case problems/issues; conducting investigations for bail recommendations; conducting regular supervision meetings with clients; monitoring client release conditions and addressing issues impacting client compliance; entering data into databases; maintaining files and completing file closures; conducting pretrial risk assessments; preparing client status and violation reports for the courts; and preparing reports, correspondence, and memoranda. Supervision Exercised/Received: Exercised: This classification typically does not supervise other employees. Received: This classification typically reports to a senior officer. Note: Other reporting relationships may apply. Duties include but are not limited to Obtaining commitment orders to determine a defendant's eligibility. Conducting interviews to gather background information about a defendant. Administering actuarial-based risk assessments to determine risk of re-offense and failure to report to Court. Making phone calls to collateral contacts to verify the information provided by the defendant. Determining a risk level and use an objective tool to make release recommendations. Generating reports from a database and package reports for arraignment hearings. Researching and entering outcomes of arraignment and bond hearings into a database. Conducting random urine screens to detect illegal drug use Equal Employment Opportunity Statement. Developing and maintain ongoing professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Performing other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor in accordance with agency policies, procedures and operational requirements.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling
Two years of related experience
Considerable knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications, such as CAIS, Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), Judicial Information System, VINELink, etc.
Understanding and application of Evidence Based Practices (EBP) such as role clarifications, risk needs responsibility model, and EBP problem solving and cognitive training
Use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
Proven ability to interact professionally with judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys and the general public
Demonstrated skill in communicating with various internal and external departments, following case management policies and procedures consistent with the EBP model in the probation/pretrial services
Demonstrated ability to make informed and logical decisions, organize and maintain confidential records and files, prepare client reports, pay attention to detail, maintain confidentiality and manage time effectively

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in the utilization of legal and evidence-based practices in community corrections
Court proceedings, laws, legal code, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, etc.
Human Behavior
Criminal Behavior
Strong skills in problem-solving, effective communication and administering actuarial-based risk assessments
Proficiency in operating a case management database and Windows-based computer applications
Experience working in areas with populations from local community corrections, state or federal probation/parole offices, social services agencies, juvenile probation offices, clients who have committed sex-based offenses, clients with mental health diagnoses, clients with substance abuse disorders, or clients who have committed intimate partner violence
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to effectively work independently or as a member of a team
VCIN certification
Ability to speak Spanish fluently is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Preparing referrals to criminal justice, mental health, and healthcare providers
Completing pretrial supervision intake reports
Conducting random drug screens and coordinating/supervising other court ordered testing
Testifying in court
Developing and maintaining professional relationships with collateral agencies such as judges and their staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and service providers
Communicating case problems/issues
Conducting investigations for bail recommendations
Conducting regular supervision meetings with clients
Monitoring client release conditions and addressing issues impacting client compliance
Entering data into databases
Maintaining files and completing file closures
Conducting pretrial risk assessments
Preparing client status and violation reports for the courts
Preparing reports, correspondence, and memoranda
Obtaining commitment orders to determine a defendant's eligibility
Conducting interviews to gather background information about a defendant
Administering actuarial-based risk assessments to determine risk of re-offense and failure to report to Court
Making phone calls to collateral contacts to verify the information provided by the defendant
Determining a risk level and use an objective tool to make release recommendations
Generating reports from a database and package reports for arraignment hearings
Researching and entering outcomes of arraignment and bond hearings into a database
Conducting random urine screens to detect illegal drug use
Developing and maintain ongoing professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders
Performing other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor in accordance with agency policies, procedures and operational requirements