Probation Officer

City of Bremerton; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bremerton seeks a probation officer to support the court’s assessment and probation services in misdemeanor cases. You will conduct interviews, prepare reports, counsel individuals, and coordinate with treatment providers, following court policies and applicable state regulations.

Responsibilities include supervising probationers, submitting reports, performing pre-sentence investigations, and collaborating with the Judge to ensure compliance and safety within the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, or a closely related field (ARLJ 11) or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience as a probation officer or in an equivalent position.
• Two (2) years of experience in the criminal justice system, social work, or a related field involving caseload management, direct client services, or criminal law.

Responsibilities

• Supervise probationers for compliance with court orders and report violations.
• Act as liaison between the court and treatment providers.
• Prepare and submit violation reports to the prosecutor and the court with recommendations.
• Conduct pre-sentence investigations and contact family members/witnesses as needed.
• Interview defendants, review treatment plans, and make court recommendations.
• Counsel clients with social, chemical dependency, behavioral and mental health issues.

Skills

Communication

Report writing

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Two years probation officer experience

Two years experience in criminal justice system

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

JIS

JABS

Tyler Supervision

OCourt

Job description

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a 3.8% cost of living increase has been approved for 2027.

Reporting to the Court Administrator, this position performs professional work supporting the court’s assessment and probation services in misdemeanor cases. Conducts pre-sentence interviews and evaluations; prepares reports and correspondence; meets with individuals under probation supervision to discuss progress and provide counseling; and coordinates with treatment agencies. Applies basic diagnostic and counseling principles, follows applicable agency, state, City, and court policies and procedures, and identifies community resources to inform recommendations in individual cases.

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

• Supervise all assigned probationers for compliance with court orders and report probation violations to the court.
• Act as a liaison between the court and treatment providers.
• Prepare and submit violation reports to the prosecutor and the court. Report may include recommendations for action.
• Upon request from the Judge, conduct pre-sentence investigations, which may include contacting family members and witnesses for information.
• For active probation cases or otherwise requested by the Judge, interview defendants, review treatment plans, and make recommendations to the court.
• Counsel clients with social, chemical dependency, behavioral and mental health issues, screen treatment needs and refer to appropriate agencies.
• Monitor attendance of meetings and treatment compliance.
• Perform urinalysis and saliva based drug and alcohol testing.
• Assist clients with emergency services such as shelter, food stamps, clothing and healthcare.
• Develop policies and procedures to assure efficient office operations.
• Attend conferences, seminars, review literature, codes, policies, and guidelines of external agencies and bureaus to assure department compliance with state and city regulations.
• Meet with offenders in jail.
• Complete data entry on the computer base system for caseload tracking, reporting, letter writing, and accessing appointment calendar.
• Process all Interstate Compact requests.
• Coordinate requests for mental health assessments and orchestrate obtaining bed dates when requested by the Judge or the court.
• In the event a person is taken into custody from the courtroom or on a bench warrant and a Bremerton Police Officer is not readily available, the probation officer will supervise the defendant until an Officer arrives.

Other Duties

• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Perform related work as assigned and/or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

Knowledge of:

• Washington State court rules and procedures relevant to probation services, including applicable civil and criminal law procedures.
• Court and departmental policies and procedures related to probation case management and monitoring.

Skill in:

• Using Microsoft Word and Excel; the Washington State Judicial Information System (JIS); the Judicial Access Browser System (JABS); Tyler Supervision; and OCourt to maintain case information, prepare reports, and support probation operations

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, with individuals under supervision, department staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Prepare accurate, objective, and well-organized reports.
• Organize and prioritize varied assignments and manage competing work demands.
• Monitor compliance with court-ordered requirements, document relevant information, and report violations through established procedures.
• Learn and apply new operating systems and work processes.

Candidates must meetboth of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, social work, or a closely related field, as required by Administrative Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (ARLJ) 11;OR
• Two (2) years of experience as a probation officer or in an equivalent position;AND
• Two (2) years of experience in the criminal justice system, social work, or a related field involving caseload management, direct client services, or criminal law.

Special Requirements

The following licenses, certifications, and/or specialized training are required for this position. Possession of the credential at the time of hire is preferred. If not held at the time of hire, the credential must be obtained within one (1) year, no later than 18 months, of the hire date or if an earlier alternative date is established by the City:

• Complete the Basic Adult Services Academy, as required by statute, within six (6) months of hire. The completion period may be extended when the academy is unavailable.

Physical Requirements

The position involves extended periods of sitting and frequent speaking, listening, reaching, and use of the hands and fingers to handle materials and operate office equipment. Duties also involve routine walking and may occasionally require lifting or moving items weighing up to 20 pounds. Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are needed for reading documents and using computer systems. The City will consider reasonable accommodation consistent with applicable law.

Working Conditions

Work requires travel within Bremerton and Kitsap County. Schedules may occasionally extend beyond normal working hours to meet with individuals under supervision. The position may involve meeting with individuals at the jail and collecting urine or saliva samples, which can involve exposure to bodily fluids. Contact with individuals experiencing a crisis may also involve safety concerns or unpredictable behavior. Employees are expected to follow applicable safety procedures.