Probation/Diversion Officer

City of Lakewood•Lakewood, CO

About The Position

The Probation/Diversion Officer interviews and investigates offenders cited into Lakewood Municipal Court and prepares sentencing recommendations. The role tracks and monitors court-ordered probation, deferred judgment, case reviews, and jail reviews, maintaining accurate records. Caseloads may include low- to high-risk adults—mostly domestic violence cases—and juveniles, depending on division needs. The officer intervenes in crisis situations and connects offenders and families with resources and services. The position may supervise specialized caseloads involving domestic violence, veterans, high-risk juveniles, youth with diagnosed mental health issues, or unhoused offenders. Work may occasionally occur outside traditional municipal court hours to support Teen Court, the Youth Educational Team (YET), the Community Adult Resources and Education (CARE) program, or community visits with the Lakewood Police Department. The officer works directly with the Prosecutor’s Office on plea agreements and sentencing, and contributes to processes and procedures as laws and sentencing requirements change. The role receives general supervision from the Chief Probation Officer and exercises no supervision. A bachelor’s degree is required. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are also required. The position is classified as light work, with occasional lifting or exertion of up to 30 pounds. The hiring range is $39.13–$43.48 per hour; the listed pay range is $33.46–$43.48.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid driver’s license and good motor vehicle driving record.
Experience working in a high-pressure environment with extensive public contact.
Working knowledge of offender services and community treatment options.
Proficiency with computers and computer software.
Excellent communication and listening skills, including the ability to de-escalate conflict and gather offender information and case details.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to adapt to changing caseloads and regulations, work independently and as part of a team, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to exercise discretion in sentencing recommendations with public safety in mind, make effective decisions without supervision, and accept responsibility for decisions.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, organize and relay information accurately and quickly, and work despite frequent interruptions.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners and serve as a positive role model.
Criminal background check required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferably in Criminal Justice or Social Sciences.
One year of experience dealing with at-risk populations, juveniles, or domestic violence perpetrators.
Working knowledge of the Colorado Domestic Violence Standards.
Experience as a probation officer, case manager, or law enforcement officer.
Job-related education and experience may be considered as an equivalent combination, as determined by management.
Ability to update skills or knowledge through cross-training, seminars, or conferences.

Responsibilities

Interview offenders and families, conduct investigations, complete and score risk assessments, and prepare written reports with sentencing recommendations.
Consider public safety and assess individuals and behavior to recommend appropriate sanctions, consequences, and services.
Maintain accurate offender records and monitor compliance and progress with sentence terms and conditions.
Prepare court documents, including pre-sentence investigations, affidavits, motions to revoke, and warrants.
Recommend confinement options such as jail, detention, work release, and electronic monitoring.
Manage a high caseload and respond to crisis situations involving matters such as suicide, domestic violence, and runaways, locating applicable resources.
Respond to correspondence and requests involving jail reconsideration, restraining orders, victim issues, mental health providers, and counselors.
Supervise specialized caseloads and, when required, support programming or community visits outside traditional municipal court hours.
Work with the Prosecutor’s Office on plea agreements and sentencing, and testify in court as necessary.
Make official authorizations for the court and probation division; notify Court Marshals when fugitives appear and promptly report problems or concerns.
Interpret and follow judges’ orders and Municipal Prosecutor recommendations, as well as applicable court procedures, rules, ordinances, and statutes.
Develop or assist with processes and procedures in response to new laws and sentencing requirements.
Conduct criminal background checks using CCIC/NCIC, JBITS, NICHE, and other sites that include criminal histories.
Maintain a safe work environment, assist administrative staff when requested, attend regularly and promptly, and perform other assigned duties.
Transport oneself to off-site locations.