Probation Counselor

Overview

Join to apply for the Probation Counselor I role at Seattle Municipal Court
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The Seattle Municipal Court's (SMC) mission is to provide a forum for people to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. The Court is committed to advancing social justice by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community, and building a diverse workforce. The Court participates in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI).

Candidates who can effectively work with multi-cultural communities, and who are respectful and impartial when addressing customer issues, are encouraged to apply. SMC is a highly innovative and progressive court with a community-based approach to judicial administration.

The Seattle Municipal Court is hiring a Probation Counselor I (PC1) to work as a key member of our Probation Services team, performing out-of-custody and/or in-custody probationary services for individuals sentenced by the Municipal Court.

• Monitor a caseload of probationers (offenses include Impaired Driving, Domestic Violence (DV)) and other misdemeanor offenses using a case management system that records, documents, and audits Probation work.
• Monitor, assess, motivate, and counsel probationers toward compliance with court-ordered conditions related to substance abuse and addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and other criminogenic behavior. Include regular contact with probations, treatment providers, community agencies and case managers, and other courts. Supervision may include other community-based work.
• Appear in court to testify and present findings during review and status hearings.
• Administer drug and alcohol tests, interpret, and report results to the Court, client, and treatment providers. Collaborate with all parties in developing trauma-informed and therapeutic adjustments to probation monitoring and treatment programs prioritizing supportive rather than punitive responses to drug and alcohol use.
• Develop a case plan, refer probationer to community agencies/resources, and provide crisis intervention/referrals.
• Prepare and maintain reports including review, status, phase review (classification), dismissal and closure reports. Complete pre-sentence assessments and provide recommendations that guide disposition decisions related to treatment and supervision. Make community/site visits to community agencies and treatment providers when necessary.

• Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or closely related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that meets ARLJ 11 (a)(1) & (2).
• Complete the Misdemeanant Probation Counselors Academy per WAC  within one year of hire and maintain annual continuing education as required by department.
• Commitment to evidence-based practices and effective work with diverse communities.

• Extensive experience in Misdemeanant or Juvenile supervision, Child, or Adult Welfare social work, or non-probation case management roles where interaction with criminal justice involved clients was the primary focus of the position. Preference given to those currently employed in a desired qualified position or within the previous five years.
• Proven ability to make decisions and use discretionary judgment in accordance with ARLJ 11 (b).
• Working with and involvement in community organizations, group facilitation, and collaboration with citizen groups and other governmental agencies.

• The belief that securing basic human needs, therapeutic growth, and personal goals drive behavior change, favoring supportive over punitive responses to misdemeanor crime.
• Advancing equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusive practices in court divisions.
• Applying trauma-informed, supportive, and equitable principles to case management, client interactions, report writing, and court testimony.
• Commitment to Court and department values in all interactions and work products.
• Continued growth in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.

• Effective verbal…