Mason County District Court Adult Probation Officer

This is a Professional level position responsible for providing services with minimal supervision.  Coordinates and performs a variety of probation functions on behalf of the Mason County District Court Probation Services Department, which is under the supervision of the Mason County District Court Judge and District Court/Probation Administrator.  Conduct pre/post-sentence investigations with face to face interviews and extensive research that includes but is not limited to criminal history, contact with victims, personal history, social and economic needs, community resource needs, counseling/treatment needs, work history, family and employer support, and complete written pre/post-sentence reports, which includes sentencing recommendations to the court when requested by the court.
 
For offenders referred to the misdemeanant probation department, determine their risk to the community using a standardized classification system.  Determines the appropriate level of supervision, with a minimum of monthly face to face interviews for offenders classified at the highest level.
Work in conjunction with offenders and treatment agencies to develop and implement plans of action that facilitate positive changes in behavior. Evaluate offenders' social problems, amenability to different types of treatment programs, and determine appropriate referral
 
Administers preliminary breath tests and supervises the collection and delivery of urine to appropriate lab for testing as deemed necessary or ordered by the court.
 
Monitors offenders for compliance with court orders; review issues of non-compliance with offenders and report allegations of non-compliance, in writing, to the court with a copy to prosecutor, offender and offender's attorney if applicable.  Regularly attend weekly court hearings and testify as necessary.
 
Prepare, update, and maintain case records and files; documents all case activity.
 
Oversee and monitor reports received from community agencies providing services required of offenders with input to the judicial officer (e.g. alcohol/drug, domestic violence, ignition interlock, sexual deviancy and mental illness). Report violations noted by said agencies to the court with copies to the prosecutor, defendant and defense attorney if applicable.
 
Implement and carry out evidence-based programs designed to reduce recidivism, e.g. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), and other behavioral change programs.
 
Reliable, consistent attendance is a requirement and essential function of all District Court employees.  Employees are expected to be punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the essential job functions.

Knowledge of:

• County policies and procedures
• Probation Services operations, policies, and procedures
• Judicial processes and procedures
• Court orders and other applicable legal documentation
• Principles and practices of case management
• Probation records, reports, and documentation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Counseling and assessing offender risk/needs
• Case planning
• Teaching methods and techniques.
• The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer system.
• Standards of confidentiality.

 
Ability and/or skills to:
     Coordinate and performs a variety of probation functions.

• Interviewing defendants, performing risk assessments, and developing case plans.
• Conducting investigations and monitoring defendants for compliance with court orders.
• Initiating court action for violations in probation by defendant.
• Preparing and maintaining probation/case records, reports, and documentation.
• Establishing and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, court and jail personnel, outside agencies, treatment providers, clients and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or sensitive issues or regulations.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information.

• Minimum of a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree that provides the necessary education and skills in dealing with complex legal and human issues, as well as competence in making decisions and using discretionary judgment. 
• Counseling skills necessary to evaluate and act on offender crisis, assess offender needs, motivate offenders, and make recommendations to the court.
• Education and training necessary to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to interview and counsel offenders with a wide variety of offender problems, including but not limited to alcoholism, domestic violence, mental illness, sexual deviancy; to testify in court, to communicate with referral resources, and to prepare legal documents and reports. 
• Anyone not meeting the above qualifications but has competently held the position of probation officer for the 24 months shall be deemed to have met the qualifications.

• Applicants will be required to pass a comprehensive background investigation, which shows no criminal activity that could directly impact ability to perform the job.
• A valid Washington State Driver's License is required for employment.
• Must be able to obtain first aid/CPR certification.
• Must successfully complete the Washington State Misdemeanant Probation Counselor's Academy within six (6) months of employment as required by WAC 139-10-210

This position may include, but is not limited to:

• The management and coordination of an assigned case load
• Performs risk assessments and develops client case plans
• Provides community supervision and evidence-based programs that focuses on behavioral changes and effective services to moderate and high-risk offenders
• Monitors and enforces defendant compliance with court orders, initiates court action for non-compliance
• Prepares and maintains case records
• Performs other related duties as assigned.