Part-Time Probation Officer (12 hours per week) in Lake Forest Park, Washington at City of Lake Forest Park

Under the direction of the Presiding Judge and Court Administrator, the Probation Officer 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. The Probation Officer meets with probationers to discuss progress; writes reports and correspondence; monitors pretrial release conditions, electronic home monitoring and jail; assures compliance with the order of the court; and serves as liaison between court and the probationer. Position conducts client evaluations, counseling and referrals, coordinates and monitors treatment programs, and provides other services as alternatives to incarceration. May conduct pre- and post sentence investigations.

Duties require ability to manage a high-volume caseload and be extremely organized to meet deadlines with little supervision. Responsibilities have a significant impact on the department's operations and customer satisfaction and require the ability to work independently and apply established guidelines and alternatives to make routine judgments and decisions.

• Monday and Wednesdays e.g. court days: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (in-office).
• Remaining weekly work hours can be flexed as needed to accommodate the workflow and case load and can be worked either in-person or remotely, as dictated by business need.

Essential Functions:

• Meet one-on-one with defendants to explain sentencing and/or diversion agreement conditions, provide community treatment resources, schedule future appointments, and assess eligibility for statutorily driven court programs.
• Monitor offenders as ordered by the court for active probation. Conduct and score risk assessment interviews, using a standardized risk classification system.
• Manage and monitor high volume caseloads, enforcing probation requirements, program requirements and court orders, and ensuring defendant compliance with conditions of sentencing and/or diversion agreements. In the case of non-compliance, know and understand the court's directive, burden of proof of non-compliance, and submit probation reports to the court for judicial review.
• Oversee the development and support of individuals on probation by providing assistance, direction, and information to probationers as needed. Assist probationers concerning problems that affect individual probation plans; assist in vocational, education or employment planning; refer individuals to domestic violence moral reconation therapy and other probation-related classes; consults with higher level personnel on difficult or complex cases.
• Prepare and maintain detailed case records, violation reports, and documents utilizing designed court systems; compiles and prepares summary statistical reports for departmental use.
• Collaborate with third party contacts and/or outside agencies in the supervision of probationers.
• Testify in Court and/or present documents, information, reports and recommendations for review or revocation of supervision; Sentencing recommendations include level and duration of supervision, treatment, conditions of probation, jail time, and alternative sanctions.
• Conduct pre-trial service intake interviews and monitor defendant’s progression through the criminal pre-trial process.
• Respond to verbal and written requests for information from defendants, attorneys, and treatment providers in a timely manner.
• Conduct pre- and post-sentence investigations as requested; compile and submit reports containing summary background data gathered during in-depth interviews with offenders.
• Work closely with treatment agencies and other community entities to identify additional resources and monitors offender compliance with treatment programs.
• Complete special projects and administrative assignments at judicial discretion.
• Perform PBT (Personal Breath Testing) and UA (Urine Analysis) for alcohol/drug testing as deemed necessary.
• Conduct periodic file audits as necessary.
• May represent the probation office in the community, serving on various local and State task forces and other committees as appropriate.

Education and Experience

• Associate's degree in social sciences, criminal justice or closely related field AND at least two (2) years of social services, case management, legal/courts, law enforcement, or similar experience OR equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to pass annual CJIS training and required fingerprinting background check.
• Must successfully complete the Misdemeanant Probation Counselor Academy per RCW 43.101.220 within six (6) months of hire.

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, criminal justice, or related field.
• Ability to speak more than one language.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The duties in this position are performed primarily in an office setting utilizing standard office equipment and in the courtroom. Incumbents may be exposed to hostile individuals while in the courtroom setting or while meeting with defendants regarding probationary requirements. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, keyboarding, talking and hearing required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.