Alternative Sentencing Specialist

This is a non-exempt, part-time hourly position, not to exceed 1,039 hours in any fiscal year. Under general supervision it places non-violent offenders placed on probation to community services; processes court orders and performs related office duties.

• Enter reports from counseling agencies into system for tracking of defendants; refer information to judges as required.
• Process defendants when released from jail on bail or pre-trial supervision; perform intake duties and review/update personal information and conditions of release.
• Check in probationers during reporting period and review case information to monitor compliance; schedule court dates for probation extension when required.
• Process mental health defendants after court appearances; update pertinent information.
• Record, update and provide community service obligation requirements as mandated by courts.
• Answer inquiries, provide information and resolve complaints from clients, the public or City employees regarding the function and activities of the work unit that may require the use of judgment and the interpretation of policies, rules and procedures.
• Place court selected offenders to community service and other conditions as instructed by the courts.
• Comply with operational and statistical data and information, maintain various records and prepare special and periodic reports.
• Conduct probationer orientation and review of conditions for individuals placed under the supervision of the department.
• Perform office financial accounting, auditing and record keeping as required.
• Implement color coded drug testing.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Establish and maintain office and case files; research and compile information from such files; close and purge files according to established procedures.
• Contribute to the overall quality of the unit's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public, other agencies and City staff; act in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

High School Diploma or GED; AND two (2) years of experience in providing office assistance in a court or legal office environment; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

• Valid Driver’s License.

• Policies and procedures of the department to which assigned.
• Use of specified computer applications involving the design and management of databases or spreadsheet files, the development of special report formats, and parallel systems programs.
• Business arithmetic; applicable regulations, policies and statutes.
• Office administrative practices and procedures.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for typed materials.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Collection and analysis of drug testing.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

• Performing technical, specialized, complex, difficult or technical office support work.
• Reviewing legal documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintaining accurate compliance records and preparing accurate and timely reports.
• Reading, interpreting and explaining rules, policies and procedures.
• Composing correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff, coworkers, contractors and the public.

Under general supervision, incumbents at this level are given assignments and objectives that are governed by specifically outlined work methods and a sequence of steps. The responsibility for achieving the work objectives, however, rests with a superior. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks are integrated into work processes and/or reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials; hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone;…