Pre - trials Services Officer I

Pretrial Officer

The Pretrial Officer is responsible for interviewing and completing assessments for individuals charged with criminal offenses and monitoring individuals released on bail to ensure compliance with court ordered conditions. The Pretrial Officer will complete the actuarial risk assessment and summarize the defendant's criminal history so that the court can make timely and informed bail decisions to ensure public safety and court appearance. This role is responsible for monitoring bail conditions imposed by the court and providing violation and status summaries as needed. The Pretrial Officer will utilize evidence based practices, mental health and drug substance abuse screening tools to identify needs and make appropriate treatment referrals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors a caseload through direct contact with individuals and maintain collateral contacts with agencies and associates who influence their life.
• Investigate criminal backgrounds, complete pretrial risk assessment, and prepare reports.
• Foster an environment which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Utilize evidence based and best practices in the field of community supervision.
• Utilize motivational interviewing to aid in positive behavioral change.
• Address and re-direct non-reporting, ongoing substance use, and noncompliance or procedural issues that may arise.
• Facilitate monitoring utilizing a variety of methods including electronic monitoring, office, video, and/or telephonic contacts, drug and alcohol screening, and referrals for treatment.
• Maintain accurate case records and review for quality assurance.
• Prepare court reports and documents as needed.
• Interact through written and verbal correspondence with the judiciary.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with government and other agencies that provide services.
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually.
• Undergo and maintain successful: federal bureau of investigation (FBI) criminal history clearance, PA child abuse history, and MCCF clearances when applicable.
• Obtain JNET certification; maintain recertification.
• Complete training and maintain compliance with mandated reporting regulations through PA child protective services law.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours to include nights, weekends, holidays, and after hours on-call responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties, tasks, and special projects as required.

Department Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop competencies in evidence based and best practices: motivational interviewing (MI), public safety assessment (PSA), decision making framework (DMF), and judicial guidelines pertaining to release recommendations.
• Complete MCCF orientation on safety and situational awareness; complete self-defense training.
• Facilitate language access, complete SSI and mental health assessments, conduct intakes following court, manage transportation of released defendants, ensure victim information is provided to the court.
• Monitor conditions of bail and promptly report violations and noncompliance to the court in accordance with departmental policy.
• Provide guidance to individuals with specific needs, including but not limited to: social, emotional, mental health, and other rehabilitative needs.
• Coordinate public defender consultation and complete application for representation of the public defender.
• Prepare court orders; provide the court with appropriate and informed status reports and recommendations.
• Essential employee; must maintain mandatory minimum staffing requirements, 365 days per year; may result in mandatory overtime.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Fundamental belief in a presumption of innocence.
• Commitment to promoting public safety.
• Some knowledge of the criminal justice system, mental health diagnoses, and substance use disorder.
• Professionalism and a commitment to treating people with dignity and respect.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Undergo thorough pre-employment background investigation and drug screen.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

Work Environment:

• Drug and alcohol testing are performed on individuals to ensure compliance with specific court orders.
• Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, which can potentially pose health hazards. Personal Protective Equipment is provided.
• There is further possibility of illness due to frequent contact with the public.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.