Court Referral Officer

This position reports directly to the Municipal Court Administrator. Ensures quality and continuity of services in the Alabama Court Referral Program.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Implements and adheres to the Administrative Office of Court’s (AOC) Operational Screening Criteria uniform guidelines for evaluation, referral and placement, drug testing and monitoring protocols.

Attends court dockets to screen defendants assigned to the program by the Municipal Court Judge.

Manages telephone calls related to appointments and rescheduling.

Enters and reviews data in the MIDAS software.

Evaluates each defendant through interviews, instruments, and procedures approved by AOC.

Conducts drug screens on all clients on a random basis, records and reports drug screening results to the Court and the judge.

Collects fees from clients and reports activity daily.

Attends court dockets to review and report clients’ compliance with the program and the requirements of the sentencing order.

Scans and files reports into the Court’s records for review and compliance.

Recommends appropriate court referral services such as Level I, Level II, and Level III programs and serves as liaison to representatives of court referral programs.

Develops and maintains electronic files on each offender with information such as arrest records, test scores, and other pertinent information which could be utilized by all agencies working with the offender.

Reviews sentencing and probation requirements with offenders and monitors participants for compliance with said requirements.

Provides community education on the ramifications of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the court system’s role in reducing the incidence of substance abuse offenses.

Travels to fulfill duties such as court attendance, AOC meetings, and trainings.

Assists in establishing short and long-term goals, plans, and priorities for the Court Referral Program with the Administrative Office of Courts.

Compiles and produces monthly reports to the Administrate Office of Courts

Meets regular attendance requirements.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in daily activities.

Recommends and supports policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court.

Maintains good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.

Accomplishes the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in a timely manner.

Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor’s degree with major course work in counseling, public administration, social work, business administration, criminal justice, or a related field required. Must possess or obtain provisional Court Referral Officer certification upon hire and must obtain full Court Referral Officer certification in the state of Alabama within one (1) year of employment; must attend continuing education classes and maintain certification on yearly basis.

Two (2) years’ work experience in alcoholism, drug-abuse, law enforcement, counseling, or a related field; a Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for work experience. Must qualify to be professionally bonded in an amount that satisfies state regulatory requirements. Approval of the presiding Circuit Court judge or designee required upon hire. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Those in recovery must have at least two (2) years of sobriety prior to employment; former clients must have completed at least (2) years prior to employment

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Must…