PROBATION PRETRIAL OFFICER

County of Culpeper, VA; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Culpeper, VA seeks a probation supervisor to oversee supervision of probationers and defendants, prepare court reports, and present investigations with recommendations for release or supervision. The role emphasizes evidence-based practices and Motivational Interviewing while coordinating with courts and community agencies.

Responsibilities include conducting risk/needs assessments, managing cases, drug screening, and maintaining accurate files in PTCC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or 3–4 years of relevant experience in criminal justice/psychology/social work
• Experience with evidence-based supervision and risk assessment is desirable
• MI training and ability to demonstrate MI techniques within a reasonable time

Responsibilities

• Supervise probationers/defendants under supervision per SOPs and EBPs
• Investigate and prepare reports for defendants in custody
• Present investigations to court and make release/supervision recommendations
• Conduct or facilitate cognitive behavioral groups as required
• Maintain all files per standards and input data into PTCC database
• Provide assessments and coordinate referrals with community-based agencies
• Complete risk/needs assessments and engage in case planning
• Prepare written reports for courts and manage Show Cause/Capias as needed
• Provide drug screening and referrals for treatment when appropriate
• Obtain criminal records via VCIN terminal
• Establish and maintain relationships with courts, law enforcement and partners
• Provide on-call services for GPS/alcohol monitoring and respond to violations

Skills

Criminal justice system knowledge

Evidence-based practices

Motivational Interviewing

Caseload management

Stress management

Prioritization & scheduling

Court & law enforcement relations

Professional communication

Team collaboration

Public interactions

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice/psychology/social work

Equivalent experience in criminal justice/psychology/social work

Tools

VCIN certification

Job description

1. Provides supervision of probationers and defendants placed on supervision in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and evidence-based practices.
2. Investigates and prepares reports for defendants incarcerated per Standard Operating Procedures.
3. Presents investigations to the court; makes recommendations regarding defendant release/supervision; testifies regarding supervision adjustment/participation and makes appropriate recommendations when required.
4. Utilizes Motivational Interviewing and other strategies/techniques, becomes an active participant in the change process to encourage positive internal change.
5. Facilitates cognitive behavioral groups or other evidence-based interventions as required by the agency.
6. Maintains all files in accordance with State and Local Standards and inputs all information into the PTCC database.
7. Provides assessment, referrals and coordination of services with community-based agencies and other service providers that may be available.
8. Completes risk/needs assessments, identifies criminogenic risks/needs and engages in case planning when appropriate.
9. Provides written reports to the courts, files Show Cause and/or seeks the issuance of a Capias, when appropriate.
10. Adapts, modifies and/or changes in accordance to evidence-based practices.
11. Provides drug screening and testing per Standard Operating Procedures and refers for substance abuse assessment and treatment when appropriate.
12. Obtains criminal records via VCIN terminal.
13. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other service providers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, families, community groups, the Department of Criminal Justice Services and other organizations/agencies.
14. Provides on‑call services, as required by the agency, for defendants under GPS/alcohol monitoring and responds to violations.

Skills, Abilities & Other Requirement

• Considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system, evidence‑based practices, antisocial thought, and supervision.
• Considerable knowledge of all federal, state and local laws pertaining to criminal justice services/position.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to perform motivational interviewing and other techniques/strategies in accordance with evidence‑based practices.
• Able to effectively plan and manage assigned caseload.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and high‑risk individuals.
• Able to establish priorities and schedule appointments.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with courts and law enforcement officials, etc...
• Able to exercise tact, courtesy, discretion and be firm, fair and consistent with probationers/defendants, families, etc.
• Ability to use various office equipment, such as computer, copier, etc...
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Conducts himself/herself in a professional manner at all times, while treating all people with respect and dignity.
• Share responsibility with all staff for the successful operation of the agency and conduct himself/herself as a team player.
• Represent CJS positively in public at all times.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

A bachelor’s degree within criminal justice, psychology, or social work is preferred; or 3-4 years of equivalent experience within the criminal justice system, psychology, or social work in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

Special Requirements

• Must obtain satisfactory results of a criminal history background check and successfully submit and pass drug testing.
• Must become VCIN certified and maintain such certification.
• Must successfully complete CORE training which is provided by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
• Must be trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), actively participate in any Learning Teams, and be able, at the minimum, to demonstrate basic MI techniques/skills/knowledge within a reasonable time as determined by the Director, after receiving the initial training.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver license.

Daily contact is made with, judges, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, the general public in person, by telephone and by written communications. Tasks may risk exposure to violence. Tasks risk exposure to stressful situations and high‑risk individuals. Must able to lift 12-20 pounds. Very moderate physical work, typically involving stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects, etc. Requires the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, and to see.