Senior Sentencing Guidelines Coordinator

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

11h

About The Position

The Senior Sentencing Guidelines Coordinator prepares sentencing guideline forms used by prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges. The role reviews defendants’ prior criminal histories, determines applicable sentencing guideline ranges, enhancements, and mandatory provisions, and enters information into the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing Guidelines Software (SGS Web). It also involves redacting discovery, preparing plea paperwork, and assisting with Rapid Resolution Court case files. The Senior Coordinator oversees the work of other Sentencing Guideline Coordinators and ensures their paperwork is accurate and complete. The position stays current on laws affecting sentencing guidelines and coordinates with the First Assistant District Attorney on policy and practice changes. It implements the First Assistant District Attorney’s directives and develops methods for doing so. The Senior Coordinator also participates in hiring, training, and evaluating coordinators, including instruction on NICE Justice, JNET/SGSweb, and the office case-management system.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice, sociology, or administration of justice, from an accredited institution, or other relevant qualifying experience.
At least one year of experience as a Sentencing Guideline Coordinator.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing data.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently to achieve goals.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with flexibility to multitask.
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, support staff, attorneys, and others in County Government.
Ability to learn about the criminal justice system.
Ability to interact and communicate professionally by telephone, in writing, and in person.
Knowledge of general office procedures and practices.
JNET and NCIC/CLEAN certification, requiring one-time training and recertification every two years.
Excellent analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and strong leadership skills.
Maintain objectivity, integrity, and accuracy in performing duties.

Responsibilities

Prepare sentencing guideline forms, determine defendants’ prior criminal histories, identify applicable guideline ranges and sentencing provisions, and enter data into SGS Web.
Oversee other Sentencing Guideline Coordinators and ensure the accuracy and completeness of their paperwork.
Stay informed about changes in sentencing law and coordinate with the First Assistant District Attorney to implement appropriate policy and practice changes.
Implement directives from the First Assistant District Attorney and formulate methods for carrying them out.
Participate in hiring, training, and evaluating Sentencing Guideline Coordinators.
Ensure that a J-NET or NCIC/CLEAN terminal inquiry is conducted for each case.
Research in-county docket information with missing dispositions and obtain final dispositions for charges.
Contact out-of-county and out-of-state agencies to verify prior offenses and dispositions, translate out-of-state convictions into equivalent Pennsylvania statutes, and obtain certified documentation.
Remain knowledgeable about sentencing guidelines and alternatives, including mandatory sentences, enhancements, and departures.
Respond to criminal-history inquiries from judicial, law enforcement, correctional, and custody agencies and institutions regarding Lancaster County records.
Assist with preparation of Rapid Resolution Court files.
Perform discovery redaction, file closing, and other file-related tasks as assigned by executive staff.
Maintain communications with county and outside agencies to support established policies, procedures, objectives, program assessment, standards, and program goals.
Perform other duties and assignments as required and directed.