Court Officer (Drug Court)

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, social work, counseling or related field and two years of related, professional experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Must successfully obtain the FDLE Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Certification within one month of employment or assignment which requires access to the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Certification must be maintained as a condition of employment; re-certification required every two years. This is Level One certification. For Court Officers assigned within the Pretrial Services Division, must successfully obtain the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP) certification for release within one year of employment and maintain certification in accordance with NAPSA standards; recertification required every three years. Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required. This is a responsible, professional criminal justice position providing community supervision of pretrial defendants and sentenced offenders, and/or pretrial release investigations in the Alachua County Department of Court Services. An employee assigned to this classification attends Court hearings and monitors Court proceedings in order to provide judicial support as a liaison between the department, the Court system, and other criminal justice and support agencies. Work is performed under the general direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Conducts screens and assessments for risk and need, including for special populations such as domestic violence; develops release and/or supervision plans to mitigate risk and address needs. Supervises specialized pretrial and probation caseloads; and/or completes pretrial release investigations and develops release/detention, and case plan recommendations for the Court; refers to internal and external programs to meet client needs. Represents the Department at Court proceedings including but not limited to first appearance hearings, treatment Court sessions, and violation hearings. Conducts office and field visits, with clients, and conducts collateral contacts with family, community and agency partners to implement case plans and to verify and monitor client compliance their behavior for the Court. Monitors client's compliance with all Court-ordered special conditions; determines ability to pay Court ordered financial obligations; works with clients and Court to develop payment options. Prepares and maintains confidential records. Prepares and submits written work with high attention to detail including but not limited to investigations, Court orders, modifications, violations, and revocations s necessary. Uses computer software and information systems and ensures timely and accurate data entry of client and casework per Department procedures. Collects/completes testing of urine samples for drug screening. Provides assistance to staff as needed. Completes training as directed and consistently delivers skills with proficiency and fidelity to the model. Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties. Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

Note:

These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from this position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of state and local laws, rules and regulations and professional standards regarding pretrial release and probation practices. Thorough knowledge of the operation of the criminal justice system and process. Knowledge of basic theory and current practices in the treatment of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, mental illness and domestic violence and psycho-sociological factors of crime. Ability to effectively communicate with others, orally and in writing, and assess client physical, mental and legal status, and client risk/need. Ability to independently investigate client history and present circumstances and formulate plans of social and economic rehabilitation specific to the individual's needs. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and adhere to the County Motor Vehicle Operation Policy. Ability to conduct investigations, evaluation findings, prepare reports and effectively present recommendations and release plans to the Court. Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationships and obtain the cooperation of clients, their families and other members of the public and criminal justice community. Ability to interpret and apply law, statute, policy and procedure, and make independent decisions within established deadlines. Ability to plan and organize work effectively. Ability to create and maintain timely, comprehensive and accurate client records within a computerized information management system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment usually ranges from moderate to loud. May require an employee to be exposed to hazardous work situations and may require travel or subject to call at all hours. Standard business hours are 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, but schedules may be adjusted to meet the needs of the department and clients served.