Probation Officer 1

Salary: $73,332 – $102,136 Annually

Position Summary:

The position allocated to this class performs investigative, counseling and case management duties for the Spokane County District Court- Probation Division. The incumbent develops and presents case histories and makes recommendations to the Court regarding adult inmates; monitors, oversees, counsels and assesses needs and progress of adult offenders on probation or in a confinement setting. Work is performed with considerable independence, involving discretionary judgment and responsibility. Work is assigned by and performed under the general direction of the District Court Probation/DUI Court Manager (or designee) and evaluated through observation, casework review, and review of results as they reflect the employee’s professional proficiency, effective application of independent judgment, attainment of the probation division’s goals and objectives and compliance with the Court’s policies, procedures and practices.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts intake interviews and provides orientation for new offenders, reviews records and consults with other professionals to complete investigation reports, develops case histories and probation agreements; develops case management plans, and monitors compliance with court ordered conditions.
• Writes evaluation and/or pre-sentence investigation reports containing summary background data gathered in probationer interviews and collateral contacts; identifies and assesses problem areas, and may provide treatment and sentencing recommendations to the court.
• Writes Return to Court letters based on non-compliance.
• Monitors Drug/Alcohol Testing done by an outside agency.
• Monitors and enforces court orders, programs, and other probation requirements.
• Responds to non-compliance by coordinating with treatment providers, and notifying the court by submitting supporting documents and reports.
• May be required to make recommendations for revocation of probation requirements.
• Participates in court hearings by providing testimony, preparing and presenting documentation and making recommendations to the Court.
• May provide sentencing recommendations, including level and duration of supervision, treatment recommendations, conditions of probation, etc.
• Maintains detailed records, notes, and files within the department’s case management system and prepares related reports, statistics and other documents.
• Counsels and supports offenders to help them understand and resolve their challenges; assists in resolving emergency situations; refers probationers to local support networks, including treatment providers and community agencies.
• Coordinates with other agencies and jurisdictions, including law enforcement and treatment providers, to monitor activities and progress of probationers’ court orders.
• Responds to verbal and written requests for information from other departments and agencies.
• Serves as a back-up instructor for the Adult Defensive Driving Course.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology, and
• One (1) year of experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or a related field is preferred.
• NOTE: Must successfully pass a criminal background check. Per RCW 43.101.220, must complete the Adult Services Academy within six (6) months of hire, or when class is made available.
• Possession of a valid driver’s License at time of hire and for the duration of employment, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County.