Pretrial Specialist

Weld County Government•Greeley, CO

2d•$29 - $38

About The Position

The Pretrial Specialist performs professional release risk assessment and case management work in a jail and office setting in support of Pretrial Services. Under general supervision, the specialist interviews and assesses adult detainees’ backgrounds and criminal histories, makes pretrial release and bond recommendations to the Court, prepares related documentation, maintains case files, enters data, researches criminal histories using databases, and assists judicial officers during hearings. The role also manages a caseload of adult defendants charged with felonies and/or misdemeanors who have been released on bond until their cases reach final disposition. The specialist monitors compliance with court-ordered release conditions, explains supervision requirements, prepares supervision plans, makes referrals to community services, and monitors electronic monitoring when required. The projected schedule is Sunday, 5:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and Monday–Wednesday, 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., on 10-hour shifts. The position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay. Driving is essential. The position requires a valid driver’s license and liability insurance, an MVR evaluation and ongoing monitoring, and pre-employment substance screening. Candidates must pass a criminal background check before their employment start date.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, human services, corrections, social sciences, or a related field.
One year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of applicable ethical standards, laws, codes, and ordinances; public administration or criminal justice principles and practices; court procedures; alternative correctional services; and relevant criminal justice developments.
Ability to verify defendant information and use relevant court and criminal history databases, including Colorado Courts Data Access and Colorado and National Crime Information Center systems.
Ability to collect, analyze, and objectively present information about defendant performance and compliance, and use common word-processing, spreadsheet, and file-maintenance applications.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures, explain them to defendants, and develop supervision plans.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in setting schedules, goals, and ongoing supervision.
Strong communication, tact, and courtesy in frequent contact with defendants, officials, agencies, and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, county personnel, other agencies, and community members.
Organizational, analytical, investigative, interviewing, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; ability to assess defendant risk and needs with community safety in mind.
Ability to establish and maintain complex electronic and physical records, process large volumes of data, and query local, state, and national databases.
Understanding of correctional supervision and rehabilitation terminology, basic treatment modalities, and substance abuse and mental health assessments.
Ability to establish working relationships with community agencies for consultation, evaluation, and case planning.
Valid driver’s license and liability insurance upon hire; driving is essential to the position.
Must pass a criminal background check before the employment start date.
Must pass an MVR evaluation; employment includes continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens.
Must successfully complete the required pre-employment substance screening.

Responsibilities

Track detainees booked into jail and interview and assess adults to determine pretrial release suitability, risk of new offenses, and likelihood of attending future court hearings.
Use county, judicial, state, and national law enforcement databases to research criminal histories and enter, store, and retrieve information using computer and office software.
Compile and verify information about detainees, document contacts, prepare status reports, and furnish relevant information to the Court and judicial officials.
Provide detainees with reporting instructions for court dates and pretrial supervision, and prepare reports regarding pre- and post-advisement release.
Attend first court appearance advisement hearings as scheduled, provide oral input when appropriate, explain the hearing process to detainees, and document and enter hearing outcomes.
Notify and respond to agencies and individuals regarding detainee status and bond conditions, electronic monitoring, or community treatment participation.
Interview defendants, prepare individual supervision plans, explain court orders and supervision requirements, and collect and process applicable fees.
Maintain regular contact with defendants and monitor compliance with court-ordered release conditions; appear in court to support submitted correspondence.
Refer defendants to community-based agencies for substance abuse testing and required sobriety or treatment services.
Explain and initiate referrals for electronic monitoring when ordered, and monitor defendants’ compliance with electronic monitoring.
Attend relevant training, professional meetings, and conferences to maintain knowledge of pretrial and alternative correctional services.
Assist administrative support staff with case files, phones, reception, cross-training, and backup coverage for other division personnel.