Probation Officer 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

spokanecounty; United States; On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County District Court- Probation Division is hiring for a position involving investigative, counseling and case management duties for adult offenders. The role includes developing case histories, presenting recommendations to the Court, monitoring compliance, and coordinating with treatment providers.

The incumbent will work with considerable independence under supervision, performing duties with professional judgment and maintaining detailed records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required or preferred in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology.
• 1 year of experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or related field is preferred.
• Must pass criminal background check and complete Adult Services Academy within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews and orient new offenders; develop case histories and probation agreements.
• Write evaluation and pre-sentence investigation reports with background data and recommendations.
• Monitor compliance with court-ordered conditions and coordinate with treatment providers.
• Prepare court documents and reports; participate in hearings and provide testimony as needed.
• Maintain detailed records in the department’s case management system and monitor progress.

Skills

Counseling & interviewing

Case management

Report writing

Knowledge of adult criminal justice

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice / Social Work / Sociology / Psychology

Job description

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.

Employee Type: Regular

Department: District Court Probation

Salary: $57,291.00 - $79,794.00 Annually / $4,774.25 - $6,649.50 Monthly / $29.38 - $40.92 Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Overtime Eligibile: Yes

Job Posting Date Range: 09/23/2026 - Until Filled

Job 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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts 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 from other departments and agencies.
• Serves as a back-up instructorfor the Adult Defensive DrivingCourse.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology, and
• One (1) year of experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or a related field is preferred.
• NOTE: Must successfully pass a criminal background check. PerRCW 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 ABILITIES

• Knowledge 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