Probation Officer

This position performs professional casework activities in accordance with court rules and judicial direction, in an effort to ensure offender accountability with court ordered conditions and promote community safety. Conducts pre- and post-sentence investigations, coordinates and monitors offender treatment programs and provides other services as alternatives to incarceration. The nature of the work performed by this class is highly confidential and follows established procedures and general directions; incumbents operate independently and apply established guidelines and alternatives to make routine judgments and decisions. Other duties may be assigned as needed. Conducts pre- and post-sentence investigations as requested; compiles and submits reports containing summary background data gathered during in-depth interviews with offenders. Provides sentencing recommendations including level and duration of supervision, treatment, conditions of probation, jail time, and alternative sanctions. Monitors offenders as ordered by the court for active probation. Conducts and scores risk assessment interviews. Assists probationers concerning problems that affect individual probation plans; assists in vocational, education or employment planning; consults with higher level personnel on difficult or complex cases. Reviews court orders and requirements with offenders. Enforces probation requirements, program requirements and court orders. In cases of non-compliance, works with treatment counselors, sets court hearings, submits probation reports to the court for judicial review. Maintains detailed case records, including offender progress notes. Prepares required reports, forms and documents by utilizing specialized software programs; compiles and prepares summary statistical reports for departmental use. Works closely with treatment agencies and other community entities to identify additional resources and monitors offender compliance with treatment program. Represents the probation office in the community, serving on various local and State task forces and other committees as appropriate. Performs special projects and administrative assignments at judicial discretion. Participates in court hearings; provides oral and written recommendations. Performs PBT (Personal Breath Testing) and UA (Urine Analysis) for alcohol/drug testing as deemed necessary. Conducts pre-trial service intake interviews, and monitors defendant's progression through the criminal pre-trial process. Conducts Domestic Violence Moral Reconation Therapy and other probation-related classes. Performs other related duties as required/assigned. A combination of the experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.

Experience:

Two years of experience in the legal field or court setting. Ability to speak Spanish preferred.

Education and Training:

Bachelor's degree with course work in sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or related field.

Licenses or Certificates:

Must successfully pass a criminal background check. Must successfully complete the Misdemeanant Probation Counselor Academy per

RCW 43.101.220

within six (6) months of hire date. Must successfully complete training for Domestic Violence Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) within six (6) months of hire date. The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move 10 to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position is usually assigned to an office, and the noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work involves interaction with potentially anti-social and/or hostile criminal offenders. Work is performed mainly during City office hours; however, there may be schedule variations and some travel may be required. This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. Non-union