Probation Counselor II

Adult Probation Counselor II

Thurston County District Court is seeking a highly motivated, professional, and positive candidate for the position of Adult Probation Counselor II within our Probation Department. This position supports the success of those justice involved that have release and sentencing conditions ordered by the Court. The Probation Counselor performs assessments, develops action plans, and facilitates the resources needed for successful outcomes, short and long term.

This role also acts as a liaison with community assistance and support agencies, facilitating involvement with programs that provide resources for drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violation, housing, education, employment, and other associated programs.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs a caseload of medium to high-risk clients heard before the court on charges such as Domestic Violence, Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Driving Under the Influence, assessing client skills and developing treatment plans on a case-by-case basis.
• Conducts pre/post-sentence investigations with face-to-face interviews and extensive contact with victims, personal history, social and economic needs, community resource needs, counseling/treatment needs, work history, family and employer support, and complete written reports.
• Determines client risk to the community using established risk assessment tools, performs client intake and support/action plans, and performs regular face to face meetings with clients.
• Records and maintains accurate records of client interactions, to include progresses as well as potential violations and the reports required to ensure success while ordered to Probation, and the documentation required to address matters effectively and accurately at court proceedings.
• Client supervision includes Active/Supervised Probation, requiring regular in-person contacts, as well as Monitored Probation that will include compliance report monitoring and records checks.

Qualifications:

A 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. A course of study in sociology, psychology, or criminal justice is preferred. Four years of experience in the criminal justice or social work field.

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.

Thorough knowledge of local, state & federal criminal laws, confidentiality requirements, local court rules and administrative codes. Must be able to efficiently operate a personal computer and applicable software required of the position. Must have a current Washington State Driver's License. Successful completion of the Criminal Justice Training Academy, Corrections Services Academy is required.

Desired

Skills:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative manner.
• Ability to communicate well in both oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of local mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence and social service resources.
• Knowledge of the judicial branch, court, and legal system is desired.

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment – Work is performed in office, community, and corrections environments, engaging in both team and individualized roles providing for professional collaboration with the court and multi-disciplinary teams, justice partners, community stakeholders, and treatment agencies.
• Schedule
  - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements
  - Travel is required to attend meetings and trainings, and to engage with program participants.
• Customer Interactions
  - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with clients, justice partners, community stakeholders, and treatment agencies.

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

What We Offer Our Employees:

• Work-Life Balance:
  We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future:
  As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as…