Pretrial Probation Officer

Overview

The City of Richmond is committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within the workforce. This is an exciting time to join. Key employee benefits include:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

This class provides assessment and monitoring for adult offenders in the criminal justice system, including pre‑trial probation services and monitoring for defendants/offenders participating in jail diversion or court‑ordered programs. Incumbents provide development, screening, assessment, supervision, and monitoring of adults subject to pre‑trial assessment or probation.

Duties include:

preparing referrals to criminal justice, mental health, and healthcare providers; completing pre‑trial supervision intake reports; conducting random drug screens and coordinating/supervising other court‑ordered testing; testifying in court; developing and maintaining professional relationships with collateral agencies such as judges and their staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and service providers; communicating case problems/issues; conducting investigations for bail recommendations; conducting regular supervision meetings with clients;

monitoring client release conditions and addressing issues impacting client compliance; entering data into databases; maintaining files and completing file closures; conducting pre‑trial risk assessments; preparing client status and violation reports for the courts; and preparing reports, correspondence, and memoranda.

• Obtaining commitment orders to determine a defendant's eligibility.
• Conducting interviews to gather background information about a defendant.
• Administering actuarial‑based risk assessments to determine risk of re‑offense and failure to report to Court.
• Making phone calls to collateral contacts to verify the information provided by the defendant.
• Determining a risk level and using an objective tool to make release recommendations.
• Generating reports from a database and packaging reports for arraignment hearings.
• Researching and entering outcomes of arraignment and bond hearings into a database.
• Conducting random urine screens to detect illegal drug use.
• Developing and maintaining ongoing professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Performing other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor in accordance with agency policies, procedures and operational requirements.

• Exercised:
  This classification typically does not supervise other employees.
• Received:
  This classification typically reports to a senior officer.
• Note:
  
  Other reporting relationships may apply.

• Considerable knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications, such as CAIS, Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), Judicial Information System, VINELink, etc.
• Understanding and application of Evidence Based Practices (EBP) such as role clarifications, risk needs responsibility model, and EBP problem solving and cognitive training.
• Use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to interact professionally with judges, non‑judicial personnel, attorneys and the general public.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating with various internal and external departments, following case management policies and procedures consistent with the EBP model in the probation/pretrial services.
• Demonstrated ability to make informed and logical decisions, organize and maintain confidential records and files, prepare client reports, pay attention to detail, maintain confidentiality and manage time effectively.

• Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling.
• Two years of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the class.

• Proficiency in the utilization of legal and evidence‑based practices in community corrections.
• Familiarity with court proceedings, laws,…