Pretrial

Sevier County Government; Sevierville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Sevier County Government seeks a Probation Officer – Pre-Trial to manage a substantial caseload of pre-trial offenders, monitor compliance with release conditions, and administer GPS and alcohol monitoring devices. The role requires court appearances, testimony, and coordinated reporting to support the court and probation operations.

The position emphasizes risk assessment, data accuracy, and collaboration with law enforcement, magistrates, and the court.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history records check.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a large caseload of pre-trial offenders to ensure compliance with pre-trial release conditions.
• Attends court and provides testimony; submits reports to the court.
• Installs and manages GPS and alcohol monitoring devices; maintains monitoring data.
• Conducts random alcohol and drug screenings and records results.
• Maintains data entry and file management; coordinates with law enforcement and court personnel.

Education

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

The Probation Officer – Pre-Trial is responsible for managing a significant caseload of pre-trial offenders, ensuring they adhere to their specific bond and release conditions. The primary areas of responsibility include preparing violation reports, issuing warrants for non-compliance with pre-trial terms, installing and maintaining electronic monitoring devices such as GPS and alcohol monitors, and ensuring they function properly. This position attends court to provide testimony, conducts random alcohol and drug screenings for clients, and maintains accurate data entry and file management. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by the Director of Probation Services. Evaluations are based on the effectiveness of caseload management, accuracy of reports and data, and the quality of support provided to the court and pre-trial offenders.

• Supervises a large caseload of pre-trial offenders to ensure compliance with individual pre-trial release conditions; schedules and meets with clients weekly to monitor compliance of pre-trial release conditions.
• Conducts daily check-ins at jail to receive assigned offenders; collaborates with magistrates for appropriate bond conditions.
• Prepares violation reports and issues violation warrants for failure to comply with terms of pre-trial conditions.
• Attends court and provides testimony when necessary; submits necessary reports to the court.
• Installs and manages all aspects of GPS and alcohol monitoring devices; contacts victims to establish acceptable GPS zones, considering their home, workplace, child’s school, etc.
• Conducts risk assessments for each defendant to evaluate responses in case of bond violations or boundary testing.
• Administers and supervises random drug (urine collection) and alcohol screenings; enters screening results into the database.
• Maintains effective communications with local law enforcement and court personnel.
• Prepares various reports; reviews arrest reports; completes continuous data entry and file maintenance; submits accurate and complete reports and supporting documentation as required.
• Manages the inventory of GPS and alcohol monitors and orders equipment as needed.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered by a licensed physician.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history records check.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, program participants, judicial and law enforcement personnel such as court clerks, victim coordinators, attorneys, regional substance abuse and mental health providers, and local employers.
• Understanding legal requirements and ethical considerations related to employment and client confidentiality to ensure compliance and protect client rights.
• Accurately assess the needs of the client to ensure compliance with pre-trial bond conditions and adjust the plan of supervision to ensure successful completion of pre-trial release.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment including computers and software.
• Ability to apply standard operating procedures and guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner.
• Strong organizational and decision‑making skills to ensure completion of assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and convincingly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Proficiency in writing clear and concise reports, correspondences, and procedures.
• Effectiveness in presenting information and responding to questions in a professional setting including testifying in court and meeting one-on-one with clients.
• Demonstrated capability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Capability to approach others in a polite and tactful manner, maintain composure and react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration, follow through on commitments, and uphold the reputation of the institution through ethical business practices and responsible behavior both on and off the job.
• Demonstrated expression of professional judgement when applying guidelines, policies and procedures, and in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions.
• Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude, while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity.
• Effectiveness in working as part of a team to promote the achievement of individual and group goals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This is a medium work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Work requires long periods of sitting, finger dexterity, grasping, and reaching andoccasionally requires periods of walking, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Visual acuity at a level to include close, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision as well as the ability to adjust focus is required for viewing computer terminals, analyzing data, reading extensively, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work assigned, with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Operates in a professional office environment with moderate noise requiring routine use of standard office equipment including computer, phones, etc.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles is likely.
• Stressful, fast paced environment that includes working closely with individuals who may have substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and anger issues among others.
• General hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; long hours and weekend work is possible; travel and reliable transportation are required.