Pretrial Service Officer (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County, WA•Spokane, WA

46d

About The Position

This position works 37.5 hours per week. This position will work Sunday through Thursday with Friday and Saturday off. The position allocated to this class performs investigative and pre-trial case management work related to the direct delivery of adult Pretrial services. Duties include developing case histories, determining public defender eligibility, enforcing court-ordered supervision and implementing strategies to mitigate a defendant's level of risk. Under the general direction of the Pretrial Services Manager, work is performed following established procedures and Court guidelines. Incumbents initially receive on-the-job training on Court and department procedures and applicable laws and perform work under the guidance of a Pretrial Services Officer 2 or Manager. As experience is gained, the assigned work is performed with considerable independence while exercising discretion and judgment in making daily decisions. Pretrial Services Officer 1 is the entry-level classification in this series. Incumbents are responsible for performing duties that involve routine processes, procedures and decision making. Oversight and direction may be provided by other trained staff, a Pretrial Services Officer 2 or Manager. Pretrial Services Officer 2 is the second and lead worker level in the classification series. Incumbents are expected to perform duties with minimal supervision and direction from the Manager. Work is a combination of lead worker and direct service delivery. Promotion from a Pretrial Services Officer 1 to Pretrial Services Officer 2 may be determined by organizational need and affirmative recommendation of the department. WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) submitting applications before 11/21/25. First consideration will be given to applicants working in the Office of Pretrial Services in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to all other applicants, including the public.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or closely related field, and
One (1) year of experience working in an investigative, social service, criminal justice, court or custody setting.
An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
NOTE: Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system as it relates to adults offenders, investigative pre-trial practices and procedures and community resources.
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Knowledge of individual behaviors that would impact a defendant's likelihood of success on pre-trial release.
Knowledge of interviewing and report writing techniques.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public and private officials.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agencies including the Courts, criminal justice, law enforcement, social services and educational agencies.
Skilled in the use of current computer technology including data entry and word processing.
Skilled in compiling and maintaining data and statistics.
Ability to effectively apprise defendants and their families of the impending criminal process.
Ability to understand, interpret and apply statutes, court regulations and rules.
Ability to conduct thorough investigations in a professional and impartial manner and prepare detailed case histories and reports.
Ability to effectively work with inmates in an environment with various disagreeable elements.
Ability to interact and effectively provide services to clients under stressful conditions.
Ability to convey a professional image via attire and conduct.
Ability to consistently make effective decisions.

Responsibilities

Interviews non-classified felony and misdemeanor level defendants in the County jail for purposes of preparing a first appearance evaluation for the Superior and District Courts.
Poses detailed questions to a defendant regarding residency, community ties, employment, mental health and substance abuse history.
Confirms or refutes information provided by contacting personal references.
Conducts collateral contacts with employers, schools, and/or social service agencies to enhance/verify information provided.
Investigates and compiles criminal history accessing records from multiple agencies.
Prepares and presents recommendations in District and Superior Courts pursuant to Court Rule 3.2 regarding the defendant's eligibility for bond or release on own recognizance.
Monitors defendant's progression through the criminal pre-trial process, providing updated evaluations to the Court and addressing any concerns that may impact bond setting or release status.
Enforces Court ordered supervision for both the Monitored Release and Felony Diversion programs.
Maintains personal contact with defendants.
Addresses substance abuse, mental health and other areas of need by processing referrals. Identifies and investigates violations of supervision conditions, implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions as authorized.
Reports violations to the Court. Attends Court hearings to provide information and to keep abreast of case status and requirement.
Prepares additional court reports and recommendations based on further research and evaluation using a myriad of resources as requested.
Conducts a financial interview and evaluates defendants in jail, at Geiger and out of custody to determine qualifications for public defense services, Pursuant to Court rule 3.1.
Notifies the Superior and District Court of assigned or private counsel.
Responds to requests regarding a defendant's legal representation or eligibility for special programs.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.