Pretrial Release Specialist Swing/Mid 1

SAN FRANCISCO PRETRIAL DIVERSION PROJECT • San Francisco, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals. We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.

The Pretrial Release Specialist I (PRS I) is a training classification to learn all aspects of the PRS II, which includes analyzing pertinent information and data for the criminal justice stakeholders. Absent unusual circumstances, employees must demonstrate satisfactory performance and pass all 3 tests within 12 months of starting in this position in order to remain employed with the organization. The necessary passing qualifications will be determined by SF Pretrial. This job requires the ability to work swing or graveyard shifts.

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma.
• Three years previous paid work experience.
• Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies.
• Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.
• Strong computer skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products and Google applications.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report or schedule form.
• Maintain professional and effective working relationships with public agencies, judicial staff and peer workers.
• Interact effectively with people of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Must be able to work in a collaborative environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multitask.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department.
• Reference checks.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Criminal justice codes for the State of California, such as the Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code and other applicable California codes are a plus.
• Functions and procedures of superior courts, of legal and human services agencies, such as Probation, Social Services, Public Defender, Police and Sheriff, including jail operations are also a plus.

Responsibilities

• Learn to summarize RAP sheets and criminal histories accurately.
• Gather and organize all documents to be submitted to court efficiently and accurately.
• Timely processing of rebooked clients, releases and probably cause as needed.
• Contact clients to advise them of court dates.
• Understand and complete PSA (Public Safety Assessments) tool.
• Accurately enter and update client information as needed.
• Learn and utilize all SF Pretrial, jail and court management systems.
• Punctuality and regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned.

Benefits

• San Francisco Pretrial requires all employees to be working on-site, fully vaccinated, with booster shot, and in continuous CDC compliance against COVID-19.
• Employees at all levels must be able to work a flexible schedule requiring weekend assignments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees