Probation Officer

City of Bremerton•Bremerton, WA

18h

About The Position

The Probation Officer performs professional work supporting the court’s assessment and probation services in misdemeanor cases and reports to the Court Administrator. The role conducts pre-sentence interviews and evaluations, prepares reports and correspondence, meets with individuals under probation supervision to discuss progress and provide counseling, and coordinates with treatment agencies. The officer applies basic diagnostic and counseling principles, follows applicable agency, state, City, and court policies and procedures, and identifies community resources to inform recommendations in individual cases. The position supervises assigned probationers, monitors compliance with court orders and treatment requirements, and reports violations to the court and prosecutor. It also provides client counseling and referrals, coordinates treatment and mental health assessments, and may meet with offenders in jail. The work involves travel within Bremerton and Kitsap County, occasional hours beyond the normal schedule, and potential exposure to bodily fluids or safety concerns when working with people in crisis. The role includes routine office and computer work, with occasional lifting or moving of items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

Meet the education and experience requirements through either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, social work, or a closely related field, as required by ARLJ 11, or two years of experience as a probation officer or in an equivalent position.
Have two years of experience in the criminal justice system, social work, or a related field involving caseload management, direct client services, or criminal law.
Know Washington State court rules and procedures relevant to probation services, including applicable civil and criminal law procedures.
Know court and departmental policies and procedures related to probation case management and monitoring.
Use Microsoft Word and Excel, the Washington State Judicial Information System (JIS), the Judicial Access Browser System (JABS), Tyler Supervision, and OCourt to maintain case information, prepare reports, and support probation operations.
Communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, with individuals under supervision, department staff, other agencies, and the public.
Prepare accurate, objective, and well-organized reports.
Organize and prioritize varied assignments and manage competing work demands.
Monitor compliance with court-ordered requirements, document relevant information, and report violations through established procedures.
Learn and apply new operating systems and work processes.
Complete the Basic Adult Services Academy, as required by statute, within six months of hire; the completion period may be extended if the academy is unavailable.
Travel within Bremerton and Kitsap County.
Be able to perform extended sitting and frequent speaking, listening, reaching, and use of hands and fingers to handle materials and operate office equipment; duties also involve routine walking and may occasionally require lifting or moving items weighing up to 20 pounds.
Have close vision and the ability to adjust focus for reading documents and using computer systems.

Nice To Haves

Possession of the required credential at the time of hire is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise assigned probationers for compliance with court orders and report probation violations to the court.
Act as a liaison between the court and treatment providers.
Prepare and submit violation reports to the prosecutor and the court, which may include recommendations for action.
Conduct pre-sentence investigations when requested by the Judge, potentially contacting family members and witnesses.
Interview defendants, review treatment plans, and make recommendations to the court for active probation cases or when requested by the Judge.
Counsel clients with social, chemical dependency, behavioral, and mental health issues; screen treatment needs and refer clients to appropriate agencies.
Monitor attendance at meetings and compliance with treatment.
Perform urinalysis and saliva-based drug and alcohol testing.
Assist clients with emergency services such as shelter, food stamps, clothing, and healthcare.
Develop policies and procedures to support efficient office operations.
Attend conferences and seminars and review external agency and bureau literature, codes, policies, and guidelines to help ensure compliance with state and City regulations.
Meet with offenders in jail.
Enter data into the computer-based system for caseload tracking, reporting, letter writing, and calendar access.
Process Interstate Compact requests.
Coordinate requests for mental health assessments and arrange bed dates when requested by the Judge or court.
If a person is taken into custody from the courtroom or on a bench warrant and a Bremerton Police Officer is not readily available, supervise the defendant until an Officer arrives.
Maintain regular attendance and perform related work as assigned or required.