Pretrial Release Officer

Polk County•Bartow, FL

20h•$22

About The Position

The Pretrial Release Officer assures that all clients released into the Pretrial Supervised Release Program are in complete compliance with court-ordered special conditions of release. Court-ordered special conditions of release may include, but are not limited to, instructions related to House Arrest/Global Positioning System (GPS)supervision, mental health, drug abuse and/or alcohol abuse evaluations and treatment, court-imposed curfew, third-party custodies, educational and/or employment conditions, medical conditions.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in criminology, psychology, sociology or a related field.
A minimum of two (2) years’ probation, related case management or criminal justice experience.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.
A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Because Court Services Division and BoCC have a high degree of public accountability, regular attendance, punctuality, and integrity are essential requirements of this position.
Must have own daily transportation and telephone as employee is subject to call.
Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigations procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character.
Must successfully clear pre-employment psychological evaluations.
Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work.
This certification must be maintained as a condition of employment.
This position shall be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
Knowledge of the Pretrial Services organization and function of the court system. court procedures and operations. and proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other various applications.
This person must have a working knowledge and understanding of investigative procedures and laws related to the receipt, maintenance and distribution of confidential court records and must also possess the ability to:
Knowledge of penal rules and regulations and all jail book-in procedures.
Knowledge of court procedures and court appearance scheduling as related to first appearance, preliminary hearings, arraignments, and trials.
Knowledge of laws and procedures relating to maintenance of confidential court records.
Knowledge of skillful interviewing techniques.
Ability to become familiar with Criminal Justice Agencies and applicable community resources.
Ability to use good judgment and make independent decisions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Possess the physical, mental and emotional abilities to perform any and all essential job duties as identified and required by the Program Manager and any other applicable authority.

Responsibilities

Ensure that all supervised clients are complying with all court-ordered standard and special conditions of release (House Arrest/Global Positioning System (GPS), etc.).
Supervise random urinalysis and/or alcohol testing.
Document and maintain client records for all alcohol and/or drug testing events and results.
Refer clients to various agencies involving mental/psychological evaluations, drug and alcohol evaluations as well as any resulting treatment when deemed necessary and applicable.
Set up initial client appointments with all applicable agencies involved in court- ordered evaluations, treatment, education and/or employment related conditions. verify and maintain a record of client attendance at all appointments.
Build case files and scan the documents to the PTR Application.
Ensure clients maintain a temporary or stable residence.
Prepare proposed Modification of Release requests as appropriate for Program Manager’s approval and submission to the court.
Notify clients of any and all changes in court dates and other scheduled requirements.
Coordinate with resource agencies such as Drug Court, Office of the Public Defender, Office of the State Attorney, law enforcement, community supervision agency and any others as applicable.
Maintain list of all clients who are in custody.
Maintain accurate and confidential records on each client. submit summaries and reports as required to the Program Manager.
Work closely with the Electronic Monitoring Officer regarding court-ordered House Arrest/Global Positioning System (GPS) clients who must be under twenty- four (24) hour supervision seven (7) days a week. Maintain House Arrest log. sign clients in and out as necessary and applicable.
Generate revocation orders for Program Manager’s approval, as appropriate.
Assist with Bond Hearing preparation at the Program Manager’s request.
Investigate and track down clients that failed to report in upon release from jail.
Perform all other related duties as required.
Attend court proceedings and testify under oath as required and applicable.
First Appearance Hearing preparation and court attendance at the Program Manager’s request.