Probation Officer
SALARY: $31.28 - $38.01 Hourly $5,422.61 - $6,588.11 Monthly
$65,071.32 - $79,057.32 Annually
Snohomish County District Court is seeking a diverse pool of applicants for the position of Probation Officer. Candidates who meet minimum education and experience, or who have held the position of probation officer for the past two years are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have:
A commitment to equity and inclusion and ability to work with tact and diplomacy within a multicultural community and workforce.
The ability to self-manage at a high-performance rate while being dedicated to the team.
Excellent customer service skills and a passion for public service.
* Employees hired into this position are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections
to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
BASIC FUNCTION
Perform a variety of professional casework activities for adults under order with Snohomish County District Court. Develop probation agreements in accordance with court orders and client needs. Supervise clients to ensure compliance with court orders, probation agreements, and provides other services as alternatives to incarceration.
JOB DUTIES:
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
1. Conducts caseload activities such as client appointments, pre and post-sentence investigations and pre-trial release. Prepares written and/or oral reports, including sentencing and case disposition recommendations to the court on time and with supporting documentation. Collects and assesses information as requested by the court for bail/release investigations, indigent reviews, or sentencing recommendations.
2. Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews to systematically gather information about a client and their history, which indicates: the likelihood of re-offending determines the level of supervision required, targets areas for change, and measures outcomes of interventions.Develops intervention plans to decrease risk factors and behaviors, and enhance protective factors and behaviors, based upon the criminogenic needs of the client as determined by the standardized risk and needs assessment.
3. Oversees caseload activities by monitoring client performance that may include regular contact with clients, service providers, law enforcement agencies, and/or other justice programs. Assesses, monitors and reviews compliance with the terms and conditions of court orders. Performs record checks in appropriate law and justice databases. Works with clients to pay court ordered fees and fines. Monitors the collection of restitution and payment to victims.
4. Participates in court hearings; provides oral and written recommendations to the Court.
5. Completes pre and post-sentence investigation reports on orders from the Court containing summary background data gathered during in-depth interviews with offenders.Assesses problem areas to provide the Court with additional information regarding a defendant's criminal history, treatment history, probation history, family background, mental health status/diagnosis, and any mitigating or extenuating circumstances.Provides sentencing recommendations including level and duration of supervision, treatment recommendations, conditions of probation, jail time and alternative sanctions.
6. Assists probationers with problems that affect individual probation plans; assists in vocational, education, or employment planning; consults with higher-level personnel on difficult or complex cases.
7. Prioritizes and plans work activities using resources effectively. Plans for additional resources and integrates changes efficiently and in a timely manner.
8. Provides guidance, counseling, and emotional support to assist clients in understanding and overcoming their problems; investigates and resolves crisis situations; refers probationers to community agencies as applicable to the individual case.
9. Monitors clients under jail alternative programs including community work service, jail workdays, or electronic monitoring to ensure court orders and jail alternative requirements are fulfilled. Provides reports indicating status and completion of jail alternative requirements.
10. Maintains, tracks and records documentation of all contacts made and actions taken. Researches, retrieves, updates and analyzes information and data. Formulates recommendations anticipating possible ramifications and appropriately communicates significance of findings. Maintains and submits statistical reports of assigned activities.
11. Administers and secures drug and alcohol testing from court ordered individuals.
12. Responds to telephone and written requests for information from other probation departments, treatment agencies and criminal justice agencies.
13. Assists higher-level staff on more complex cases as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.
14. Position may represent District Probation as assigned, as a member of a therapeutic or alternative sentencing court.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor's degree in psychology, social welfare, public administration, criminal justice or other field directly related to probation or social services work; AND one (1) year of experience, which includes counseling, interviewing, crisis intervention in a social services agency; OR two years of experience as a probation officer. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, reference and verification.
Applicants must successfully complete the Adult Services Academy per RCW 43.101.220 within six (6) months of hire date.
A valid Washington State Driver License is required for employment.
Applicants may be required to have their own transportation, and would be reimbursed for approved mileage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
interviewing skills, and counseling techniques
pre- and post-sentence investigation techniques
fundamentals and knowledge of the criminal justice systems
policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court systems
business writing, grammar, punctuation and report preparation
standard techniques in handling a caseload with appropriate level of supervision
Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to:
follow evidence bases practices in the area of assignment and in accordance with
departmental policies
effectively interview offenders, convey ideas, and obtain information plan, coordinate,
organize and schedule programs, processes and services
prepare, research, analyze, administer and change plans, policies and work programs as necessary
work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances
establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele,
representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges and the general public
use discretion, diplomacy, respect, and cultural awareness to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
interview, obtain information and coordinate defendant referrals to appropriate agencies for substance abuse disorders, domestic violence, sexual deviancy, mental health indications, as ordered by the court
testify in court, communicate with referral sources, speak before community groups and prepares legal documents and reports
read, understand, interpret, and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment initiate, compile, compose and/or edit correspondence, records, narrative, statistical and financial reports and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from
appropriate sources is included and accurate maintain confidentiality as required by State law, Federal law, and office procedures maintain accurate, confidential records and the ability to utilize these skills to prepare detailed reports when requested type accurately a minimum speed of 40 words per minute
work cooperatively as a member of a team exercise independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues and situations and comply with legal standards and requirements
SUPERVISION
The employee reports to the Probation and Community Programs Manager, and accepts direction from the manager, director or bench. Work performed is reviewed for quality, professional judgment and compliance with established goals and policies through conferences, reports and appraisal of results obtained. This work is performed with considerable independence in accordance with established policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in the office environment, the jail, courtrooms, and other settings. May sit or stand for long periods of time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing 20 pounds. Moves throughout the County facilities and periodically drives a motor vehicle to perform duties outside of the normal office location and hours. High possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language or intimidating behavior from clients and the public. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2553
3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-3411
Position #2021-00389
PROBATION OFFICER