Pretrial Services Officer - Screener

Summary

Under the supervision of the Director/Assistant Director of Court Administration, this position provides a full range of pretrial bond services including conducting interviews, performing assessments, and appropriate levels of pretrial release supervision.

• Proactively conducts evidence‑based assessments and timely interviews individuals incarcerated who will be considered for pretrial release
• Prepares pretrial release reports for the judge’s consideration, including recommendations for conditions of release
• Accurately and timely prepares paperwork required for the individual’s release and supervision
• Conducts and documents all initial interviews, additional assessments, and office and field visits necessary for an individual’s pretrial supervision
• Communicates reminders for an individual’s court appearance, testing, and any necessary referrals
• Informs the court and District Attorney of any violations of conditions of bond
• Maintains up to date data and recordkeeping of the individual’s status throughout the duration of their pretrial supervision
• Utilizes skip‑tracing techniques to locate individuals needing to report to appointments or court hearings
• Performs duties with a high level of professionalism, cooperation, and responsiveness with county staff, outside agencies, and the public
• Responds to inquiries, maintains confidentiality, and provides testimony in court proceedings as required
• Remains well‑informed of state and national best and evidence‑based pretrial practices
• Adheres to Lubbock County Detention Center, Lubbock County, and departmental policies, as well as ethical and professional standards of the judiciary
• Performs other duties as assigned

Associate’s degree or equivalent job‑related experience required. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis. Must demonstrate a typing proficiency of at least 45 words per minute. Possess a valid Texas driver’s license and liability automobile insurance pursuant to Texas motor vehicle laws. If transferring from out of state, candidates will have 90 days to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license.

The position may require work outside of normal business hours (8-5pm) and on weekends; however, weekly work hours will not exceed 40 hours unless approved by the Director.

Graduation from an accredited 4‑year college or university. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Knowledge of administrative procedures and etiquette; operating a personal computer and basic office equipment with high proficiency;
Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word and MS Excel;
Adobe products preferred; basic accounting terminology and functions.

Skills:

Maintaining a professional attitude as a representative of the courts; managing multiple and time‑sensitive projects simultaneously; communicating effectively with diverse groups of individuals using tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.

Abilities:
Balance a cash drawer and perform basic mathematical functions; pass a criminal background check; maintain the integrity of confidential information; work independently in the absence of specific instructions or with limited supervision; adjust to rapidly fluctuating situations; work under pressure; interpret and apply policies and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, co‑workers, county employees, department heads, elected/appointed officials, outside organizations, attorneys, and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to occasionally lift/carry up to 20lbs; visual acuity, speaking and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and handling for short or long periods of time to perform essential functions. Work may be performed in an office building in shared or limited space with moderate noise levels, or at a detention center with varying noise levels and potential exposure to hostile individuals or infectious diseases.

Individuals may also perform field work exposing themselves to varying environmental conditions.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the standard functions of this position and should not be construed as a comprehensive description of all work requirements. The characteristics of the work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.