Probation Pretrial Officer

County of Culpeper•County of Culpeper, VA

13h

About The Position

Performs professional work involving supervision of probationers and investigation and supervision of defendants. The officer supervises probationers and defendants in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and evidence-based practices; investigates incarcerated defendants and prepares reports; presents investigations to the court; recommends release and supervision decisions; and testifies regarding supervision adjustments and participation when required. The role uses Motivational Interviewing and other strategies to encourage positive internal change, and facilitates cognitive behavioral groups or other evidence-based interventions as required. It includes maintaining files and entering information in the PTCC database, conducting risk/needs assessments and case planning when appropriate, coordinating referrals and services, submitting court reports, and filing Show Cause or seeking a Capias when appropriate. The officer also conducts drug screening, makes substance abuse treatment referrals, obtains criminal records through a VCIN terminal, and maintains relationships with service providers, court personnel, law enforcement, families, community groups, and other organizations. On-call services may be required for defendants under GPS or alcohol monitoring, including responding to violations. The position involves frequent contact with judges, court clerks, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, and the public, in person, by telephone, and in writing. Tasks may involve exposure to violence, stressful situations, and high-risk individuals. The role requires very moderate physical work, including the ability to lift 12–20 pounds and perform activities such as stooping, kneeling, crawling, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Culpeper County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system, evidence-based practices, antisocial thought, and supervision.
Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to criminal justice services and the position.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform Motivational Interviewing and other evidence-based techniques and strategies.
Ability to plan and manage an assigned caseload effectively.
Ability to manage stressful situations and high-risk individuals.
Ability to establish priorities and schedule appointments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with courts, law enforcement officials, and others.
Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and discretion and to be firm, fair, and consistent with probationers, defendants, and families.
Ability to use office equipment, including a computer and copier.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Conduct oneself professionally and treat all people with respect and dignity.
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or social work is preferred; alternatively, 3–4 years of equivalent experience in the criminal justice system, psychology, or social work may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
Obtain satisfactory results from a criminal history background check and successfully pass drug testing.
Become VCIN certified and maintain certification.
Successfully complete CORE training provided by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Complete Motivational Interviewing training, actively participate in Learning Teams, and demonstrate basic MI techniques, skills, and knowledge within a reasonable time as determined by the Director after initial training.
Possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver license.
Be able to lift 12–20 pounds and perform the moderate physical activities described for the role.
Be able to perceive and discriminate sounds and see.

Responsibilities

Supervise probationers and defendants in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and evidence-based practices.
Investigate incarcerated defendants and prepare reports in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
Present investigations to the court, recommend release and supervision decisions, and testify about supervision adjustments and participation when required.
Use Motivational Interviewing and other strategies to encourage positive internal change.
Facilitate cognitive behavioral groups or other evidence-based interventions as required by the agency.
Maintain files in accordance with State and Local Standards and enter information into the PTCC database.
Provide assessments, referrals, and coordination of services with community-based agencies and other service providers.
Complete risk/needs assessments, identify criminogenic risks and needs, and engage in case planning when appropriate.
Provide written reports to the courts; file Show Cause and/or seek issuance of a Capias when appropriate.
Adapt, modify, or change practices in accordance with evidence-based practices.
Provide drug screening and testing and refer individuals for substance abuse assessment and treatment when appropriate.
Obtain criminal records through a VCIN terminal.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with service providers, court personnel, law enforcement, families, community groups, and other organizations and agencies.
Provide on-call services as required for defendants under GPS or alcohol monitoring and respond to violations.
Share responsibility with staff for successful agency operations, work as a team player, and represent CJS positively in public.