Court Services Specialist I

Guilford County Government; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Guilford County Government is seeking a Pretrial Services Specialist to interview jailed defendants, perform public safety assessments, and research criminal history to support judicial decision making on bonds and release conditions. This role interacts with jail personnel, court officials, and community agencies to connect defendants with services and monitor compliance.

The position requires independent work, strong communication, and the ability to present information in court settings.

Qualifications

• Ability to interview defendants and document findings clearly.
• Knowledge of pretrial release procedures and court processes.
• Skill in researching criminal histories, case dispositions, and custody information.

Responsibilities

• Conduct defendant interviews and assessments for first appearance.
• Research and verify criminal history and case information.
• Prepare reports for court and provide information to judges and attorneys.
• Monitor compliance with court-ordered release conditions and coordinate services.

Skills

Interviewing

Criminal history research

Court documentation

Data entry

Public speaking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Conducts defendant interviews, public safety assessments, criminal history research, court support, and assigned case-management duties for the Pretrial Services program. Provides accurate, timely, and objective information to assist judicial officials in considering bonds and conditions of pretrial release. Coordinates with jail personnel, court officials, and community agencies; connects defendants with appropriate services; and monitors assigned defendants for compliance with court-ordered release conditions. Work is performed under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Program Manager.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees in this class primarily produce reports for First Appearance Court each day by interviewing jailed defendants scheduled for first appearance in District Court; verifying information acquired by contacting family, friends, employers, completing Public Safety Assessments,; thoroughly researching case and custody status as well as any criminal record or data discrepancies; preparing reports and attending court each day to provide information for the Court to consider bond and pretrial release conditions. . In addition, these employees coordinate a wide variety of activities between the jails, courts and community and/or governmental agencies. Work may be checked for effectiveness by a Court Services Specialist II while in progress. A small number of eligible defendants are released for monitoring by Court Services to help ensure attendance on court dates and promote compliance with other pretrial release conditions. This employee must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and must have the ability to interpret and apply statutes and other judicial procedures. This employee must be able to orally present information in a courtroom setting, upon request.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Defendant Interviews and Assessments

• Conduct daily interviews with incarcerated defendants scheduled for first appearance.
• Obtains and verifies information relevant to pretrial assessment, including community ties and other information required by program procedures.
• Completes public safety assessments in accordance with established procedures.
• Explain the purpose of the interview and applicable Pretrial Services processes to defendants.

Criminal History and Case Research

• Research criminal histories using authorized local, state, and national information systems
• Reviews pending charges, case dispositions, custody status, and other records relevant to pretrial assessment.
• Identifies and resolves discrepancies when possible and documents information that cannot be verified.
• Prepare accurate and complete assessment materials within required court deadlines.

Court Support

• Prepares files, reports, and supporting documentation for First Appearance Court.
• Attends court to provide Pretrial Services information and respond to questions from judges and attorneys.
• Presents information orally when requested.
• Documents court decisions regarding bonds, release conditions, supervision requirements, and follow-up tasks.

Supervision and Service Coordination

• Monitors assigned defendants for compliance with court-ordered conditions of pretrial release.
• Explains release conditions and supervision requirements to defendants.
• Coordinates referrals for assessments, treatment, or other services as appropriate.
• Documents defendant contacts, service referrals, court involvement, and compliance-related activities.
• Prepares written noncompliance reports and provides testimony in District and Superior Courts as required.

Records and Reporting

• Maintains accurate, timely, and complete records in program databases and case files. Compiles information for statistical reports, monthly, quarterly and yearly.
• Communicates and coordinates activities among jails, courts, community organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of pretrial release processes, criminal justice procedures; court and jail operations, and community resources.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, judicial procedures, program policies, and assessment instructions.
• Ability to conduct effective interviews and communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to research and verify criminal history, case dispositions, and custody information and prepare accurate, objective reports.
• Ability to explain court-ordered conditions and accurately document compliance or noncompliance.
• Ability to organize work, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently while recognizing matters requiring supervisory review.
• Ability to use computer systems for research, case documentation, data entry, and statistical reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably in related field and one year of experience working in criminal courts, criminal legal field, criminal investigations, or defendant based community programs; OR Associate’s degree, preferably in a related field and three years of experience working in criminal courts, criminal legal field, criminal investigations, or defendant based community; OR High School Diploma or GED and five years of experience working in criminal courts, criminal legal field, criminal investigations, or defendant based community. Applicants must possess excellent communication skills and be able to work effectively with a wide range of individuals. Excellent computer skills are required to effectively retrieve and input information.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and one year of actual court experience, providing information to the courts both orally and in written form.

TRAINEE QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably in a related field.

Transcript Required

Copy of transcripts must be submitted with online application. Official college transcripts required at time of hire. Please send transcripts to:

Guilford County/HR c/o Albert Parks III, 201 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 or attach a copy to your online application.

Working Conditions: Most work is performed in the courthouse building, usually in the office or the courtroom. Physical demands involve reviewing and maintaining files, updating computerized defendant data bases, operating office machines, and communicating by telephone, computer and fax with various judicial and non-judicial personnel.

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. These documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legally defensible personnel decisions.