Senior Sentencing Guidelines Coordinator

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

The Senior Sentencing Guidelines Coordinator prepares sentencing guideline forms used by prosecutors when constructing plea offers, defense attorneys when explaining possible penalties to clients, and judges when imposing sentences. The role determines defendants’ prior criminal histories and applicable guideline ranges, enhancements, and mandatory provisions, and enters relevant data into the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing Guidelines Software (SGS Web). The coordinator also redacts discovery, prepares plea paperwork, and assists with Rapid Resolution Court case files. The senior coordinator oversees other Sentencing Guideline Coordinators and reviews their paperwork for accuracy and completeness. This role monitors changes in sentencing law, coordinates with the First Assistant District Attorney to update policy and practice, and implements that official’s directives. The senior coordinator also helps hire, train, and evaluate coordinators, including training on NICE Justice, JNET/SGSweb, and the office case-management system. The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice, sociology, or administration of justice, or other relevant qualifying experience, and at least one year of experience as a Sentencing Guideline Coordinator. The successful candidate should have strong analytical, communication, organization, and leadership skills; attention to detail; and a reputation for objectivity, integrity, and accuracy. The position reports to the First Assistant District Attorney.

Requirements

At least one year of experience as a Sentencing Guideline Coordinator.
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice, sociology, or administration of justice from an accredited institution, or other relevant qualifying experience.
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 within 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.
Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, or administration of justice.
Leadership skills and experience overseeing, training, or evaluating other coordinators.

Responsibilities

Prepare sentencing guideline forms and determine defendants’ prior criminal histories, applicable guideline ranges, enhancements, and mandatory provisions.
Enter sentencing data into the PA Commission on Sentencing Guidelines Software (SGS Web).
Oversee the work of Sentencing Guideline Coordinators and ensure their paperwork is accurate and complete.
Stay informed about changes to sentencing law and coordinate policy and practice updates with the First Assistant District Attorney.
Implement directives from the First Assistant District Attorney and formulate methods for doing so.
Participate in hiring, training, and evaluation of Sentencing Guideline Coordinators, including training on NICE Justice, JNET/SGSweb, and the office case-management system.
Ensure a J-NET or NCIC/CLEAN terminal inquiry is conducted for each case.
Research in-county docketing information lacking a disposition 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, alternatives, mandatory sentences, enhancements, and departures.
Respond to criminal-history inquiries from judicial, law enforcement, correctional, and custody agencies and institutions regarding histories originating in Lancaster County.
Assist with Rapid Resolution Court files and related paperwork.
Perform discovery redaction, file closing, and other file-related tasks as assigned.
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.