Screener

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

 

Conducts booking interviews directly with defendants in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail to make decisions or inform current court case status with alternative release options.  Executes court-ordered Pretrial releases and explains supervision requirements to defendants.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice, or Social Work, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience in case management, community supervision, social services direct interactions, and assessing clients.

 

Must be able to obtain and maintain jail security clearance.

 

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass a required background check through fingerprinting and enrollment in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program in accordance with current County Human Resources policy requirements.  

 

Experience working with underrepresented communities is strongly preferred.

Ability to read, write, and speak a language other than English is strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Meets with defendants and performs interviews and background research for release eligibility for those booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. Assesses defendant’s screening and collateral information to determine Pretrial eligibility.
• Verifies defendant’s self-reported information by contacting the associates and family of the defendant.
• Informs the defendant of their release options and court status.
• Documents release decisions and pertinent information in the case management system.
• Calculates Public Safety Assessment to determine the appropriate supervision level for those who meet release criteria.
• Updates the Public Safety Assessment score in the Utah Courts database to provide accurate information for state-wide Pretrial releases.
• Communicates recommendations to judges and/or Court Screeners, either favoring or opposing Pretrial release, along with recommended release conditions.
• Records and transmits necessary release information to the jail Court Liaison, Pretrial Supervision Unit, and appropriate court jurisdiction.
• Interacts with law enforcement, attorneys, jail personnel, court personnel, and the general public regarding the defendant’s release status in keeping with confidentiality guidelines.
• Responds to communications from incarcerated defendants regarding their release eligibility or court case status.
• Provides defendants instructions to initiate Pretrial Supervision and reviews release agreement conditions. Discuss potential barriers to initiate supervision and encourage defendants to access services provided by Jail Resource and Reentry upon release.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA)

 

Knowledge of:

 

• Interviewing methods and techniques, and other evidence-based practices
• Structure of the criminal justice system
• Crisis intervention procedures
• Salt Lake County and Division policies and procedures
• GRAMA, HIPAA, and County confidentiality restrictions

Skills and Abilities to:

• Utilize computer equipment and multiple programs, and databases
• Work in an institutional setting with a volatile population
• Follow verbal and written procedures and instructions
• Effectively interpret general policy, criteria, and procedures
• Interact confidently with judges and criminal justice stakeholders
• Exhibit sound judgment by analyzing information to make informed decisions
• Thrive in a team setting, working together in close quarters
• Communicate effectively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds in stressful situations
• Recognize and understand substance use and addiction
• Navigate criminal justice records and research court cases

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

 

This position requires work in the Salt Lake County Jail, a secure facility that has direct contact with defendants and may be exposed to stress because of human behavior in a jail environment.

 

This position works in a communal environment with a shared workspace.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION

• Must be able to work various shifts, including nights, graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• The work location of this position is at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.