Pretrial Services Investigator

County of St. Clair•St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for interviewing all bail-eligible persons detained prior to or following District Court arraignment and presenting reports and recommendations regarding bail to the Court; verifying criminal record and background information provided by the defendant and assessing need for treatment or counseling and eligibility for pretrial release; preparing and transmitting reports and recommendations on cases to the court and other officials.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a major in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or a closely related human service field required.
One to three years of progressively responsible relevant professional work experience which would indicate knowledge of pretrial legal procedures, statutes and court rules regarding bail and indigent defense and a familiarity with correctional institutions.
Considerable knowledge of and the ability to interpret, apply and explain Federal, State and local laws and department and County practices and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of social work practices, procedures and resources and skill in investigating, interviewing and counseling practices, procedures and techniques.
Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgement and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.
Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.
Possession of a valid State of Michigan Operator’s License and maintains eligibility to drive as per the County’s driving policy and the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.
Successfully complete an annual criminal background check in order maintain satisfactory personal qualifications, maintain jail security clearance, LEIN certification and complete required training as mandated by the department and state regulations.

Responsibilities

Interview adult defendants to gather and verify information pertinent to release eligibility such as length of residence in the community, employment history, educational background, family and community ties and prior criminal history.
Coordinate interviews with those conducted by jail classification staff to avoid duplication of effort and to minimize defendant confusion regarding these functions.
Alert inmate-counseling staff of jail-bound defendants who appear to have problems and are in need of counseling or treatment.
Conduct computerized record checks for criminal history information and secures case dispositions from various courts.
Assess the need and makes referrals for drug testing, substance abuse or mental health treatment and/or social services.
Review information gathered on each defendant, prepares and updates bond reports, and forwards to the appropriate court and other officials.
Confer with other criminal justice agencies to verify, gather and share relevant information while maintaining confidentiality of information.
Appear in court during initial stages to present reports and recommendations and may present additional information and input during court proceedings.
Explain to defendants and family members the purpose of pretrial bond report and provides information regarding bond and the court processes.
Explain the conditions and obligations to defendants released on bond or under pretrial supervision.
Act as liaison between the Jail and District Court.
Compile daily arraignment list.
Coordinate Sunday and Holiday arraignments between the Judge/Magistrate, Jail staff, Police Departments and the Prosecutor's Office.
Conduct arraignments with the Judge/Magistrate via video, or in person.
Complete court appointed attorney and advice of rights forms with inmates.
Ensure inmates are arraigned within 72 hours of book-in time, or released to appear.
Review police reports to provide necessary information to the arraigning Judge or Magistrate prior to arraignment.
Contact victims in regards to no contact orders prior to arraignment.
Prepare bond paperwork, Register of Action, and no contact order forms on Sunday/Holiday arraignments.
Cancel warrants in LEIN and enter PPOs.
Contact CMH for defendants to be seen prior to arraignment and about defendant's medications, counselors, and/or doctors.
Make referrals to mental health court.
Supervise caseload of defendants that report in person or by phone, or are required to comply with PBTs, urinalysis, or a tether.
Make referrals to community agencies for drug testing, tether, and counseling.
Monitor defendants on GPS tethers through tether agencies to make sure the victim and the police are notified if a defendant is in an exclusion zone.
Serve Prosecutor's lab results to inmates prior to arraignment.
Assist District Court and District Court Probation in providing urinalysis of inmates at the jail.
Assist in fingerprinting inmates prior to arraignment and report fingerprint tracking numbers to court.
Correct TCN/fingerprint information with the Michigan State Police.
Make arrangements with court for interpreters for arraignment.
Make arrangements with court for court appointed attorneys to be present for severely mentally ill at arraignment.
Conduct background checks for individuals providing services to the jail (AA/NA, teachers, and religious personnel).
Other duties as assigned.