Pretrial & Justice Specialist I

Oakland County; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 61,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Education assistance program

Job summary

Oakland County is seeking a dedicated professional for Pretrial Services to interview defendants, assess risk, and support court decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include bail recommendations, database access, and collaboration with courts and law enforcement to ensure compliance and public safety. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or related field.
• Strong communication and interviewing skills are required.
• Ability to document thoroughly and collaborate with courts, law enforcement and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with defendants and complete pretrial risk assessments.
• Prepare and present bail recommendations to courts.
• Run LEIN, access IMCAS and other databases.
• Monitor pretrial supervision and report program compliance.
• Provide case management services for adult defendants.

Skills

Strong communication

Interviewing

Documentation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

LEIN

IMCAS

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

General Summary

$60,990-$81,714

This position is onsite.

What You’ll Do

• Interview defendants and complete assessments to support court decisions
• Present bail recommendations in District and Circuit Courts
• Monitor and supervise individuals placed on pretrial or sentenced community programs
• Develop treatment plans and facilitate group or individual sessions in specialized programs
• Maintain detailed documentation using Countywide and department software
• Collaborate with courts, law enforcement, and internal teams to support successful outcomes

Why You’ll Love It

• You’ll directly contribute to public safety and community wellbeing
• Every day offers meaningful, hands‑on work that helps individuals move forward
• Opportunities to use your communication, assessment, and case management skills
• A supportive team environment with varied assignments to fit your strengths
• The chance to grow your career in Pretrial and Justice Services

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field of study.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

Special Requirements

• Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license.
• Must pass a background check performed by the County or other appropriate agencies as required.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts interviews with misdemeanor and felony defendants and completes pretrial risk assessments.
• Prepares and/or presents bail recommendations to the courts.
• Run LEIN, access IMCAS and other databases.
• Monitors defendants ordered to pretrial supervision as a condition of their bail via telephone or in person.
• Provides reports to the court regrading program compliance.
• Answers and responds to inquiries from court, probation officers, program participants and other agencies.
• Provides case management services to adult pretrial and/or sentenced defendants.
• Conducts intake interview and assesses defendants to develop comprehensive treatment aimed at reducing recidivism.
• Imposes sanctions and/or rewards as prescribed by policy.
• When appropriate, arrange for incarcerated defendants / offenders to be released into alternative programming.
• Acts as a liaison between treatment programs and criminal justice agencies.
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

May be required to work afternoons, midnights, and/or weekends and holidays.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Working Conditions

May encounter situations where people could become confrontational.

May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

When Assigned to Pretrial Services - Interviews are conducted within the jail booking area or local police lockups.

Preparation of reports is conducted within an office setting; employee may be assigned to any District Court within Oakland County.

Important Note

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of and skill in investigating, interviewing and counseling practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Familiarity with criminal justice system process
• Considerable ability to prepare and present technical written and oral reports.
• Good organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Reasonable ability to communicate under adverse conditions with distressed and diverse populations.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e‑mail and Internet software.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Easily adaptable to changes in work assignment, shift, or location.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union* BU85 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Public Services Non-Supv (UAW) *If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD. At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team. Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.