Probation Officer 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County District Court Probation Division seeks a dedicated professional to conduct intake interviews, develop case histories, and monitor offenders on probation or in confinement settings. You will prepare reports and collaborate with courts, treatment providers, and other agencies to ensure compliance with conditions and progress toward goals.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, discretion, and adherence to policies while supporting offenders and maintaining detailed records in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology.
• Experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews and orientation for new offenders; develop case histories and probation plans.
• Write evaluation and pre-sentence investigation reports with background data and recommendations to the court.
• Monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions and coordinate with treatment providers.

Skills

Adult probation knowledge

Counseling skills

Interviewing skills

Report writing

Case management

Communication skills

Judgment and independence

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Databases

PC software

Job description

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.Employee Type:RegularDepartment:District Court ProbationSalary:$57,291.00 - $79,794.00 Annually / $4,774.25 - $6,649.50 Monthly / $29.38 - $40.92 HourlyScheduled Weekly Hours:37.5Overtime Eligibile:YesJob Posting Date Range:09/23/2026 - Until FilledJob Summary:Priority consideration will be given in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or County Policy.NOTE: This recruitment may be used to fill up to two (2) vacancies working 37.5 hours per week.The position allocated to this class performs investigative, counseling and case management duties for the Spokane County District Court- Probation Division. The incumbent develops and presents case histories and makes recommendations to the Court regarding adult inmates; monitors, oversees, counsels and assesses needs and progress of adult offenders on probation or in a confinement setting. Work is performed with considerable independence, involving discretionary judgment and responsibility. Work is assigned by and performed under the general direction of the District Court Probation/DUI Court Manager (or designee) and evaluated through observation, casework review, and review of results as they reflect the employee’s professional proficiency, effective application of independent judgment, attainment of the probation division’s goals and objectives and compliance with the Court’s policies, procedures and practices.Job Description:The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:• Resume• Cover LetterESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSConducts intake interviews and provides orientation for new offenders, reviews records and consults with other professionals to complete investigation reports, develops case histories and probation agreements; develops case management plans, and monitors compliance with court ordered conditions.Writes evaluation and/or pre-sentence investigation reports containing summary background data gathered in probationer interviews and collateral contacts; identifies and assesses problem areas, and may provide treatment and sentencing recommendations to the court.Writes Return to Court letters based on non-compliance.Monitors Drug/Alcohol Testing done by an outside agency.Monitors and enforces court orders, programs, and other probation requirements.Responds to non-compliance by coordinating with treatment providers, and notifying the court by submitting supporting documents and reports.May be required to make recommendations for revocation of probation requirements.Participates in court hearings by providing testimony, preparing and presenting documentation and making recommendations to the Court.May provide sentencing recommendations, including level and duration of supervision, treatment recommendations, conditions of probation, etc.Maintains detailed records, notes, and files within the department’s case management system and prepares related reports, statistics and other documents.Counsels and supports offenders to help them understand and resolve their challenges; assists in resolving emergency situations; refers probationers to local support networks, including treatment providers and community agencies.Coordinates with other agencies and jurisdictions, including law enforcement and treatment providers, to monitor activities and progress of probationers’ court orders.Responds to verbal and written requests for information from other departments and agencies.Serves as a back-up instructor for the Adult Defensive Driving Course.Performs other related duties as required/assigned.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology, andOne (1) year of experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or a related field is preferred.NOTE: Must successfully pass a criminal background check. Per RCW 43.101.220, must complete the Adult Services Academy within six (6) months of hire, or when class is made available.Possession of a valid driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of the adult criminal justice system.Knowledge of individual and group behavior applicable to the probation field.Knowledge of probation philosophy, methods and practices.Knowledge of counseling and interviewing skills, techniques and methods.Knowledge of report writing techniques.Knowledge of the literature, development, and trends in the field of adult probation.Knowledge of support agencies and community resources.Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, community and social agencies, general public, court and department supervisors.Skilled in the use of personal computers.Skilled in databases/statistics.Ability to counsel and support probationers.Ability to understand, interpret and apply complex statutes, court regulations and rules.Ability to conduct thorough investigations in an impartial manner and prepare detailed case histories and reports.Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals and groups from a variety of social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.Ability to convey a professional image via attire and demeanor.Ability to consistently make effective decisions.Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.BEHAVIORAL STANDARDSAll County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.WORKING CONDITIONSThe work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.Total Compensation:$73,332 - $102,136 AnnuallyTotal compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.