The City of Richmond Department of Justice Services, Division of Adult Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Pretrial Probation Officer. The incumbent will provide local pretrial/probation services to adults, including developing, screening, assessing, supervising, monitoring plans, and preparing court documents.

Responsibilities:

• Obtaining commitment orders to determine a defendant's eligibility.
• Conducting interviews to gather background information about a defendant.
• Administering actuarial-based risk assessments to determine the risk of re-offense and failure to report to court.
• Making phone calls to collateral contacts to verify the information provided by the defendant.
• Determining a risk level and using an objective tool to make release recommendations.
• Generating reports from a database and packaging reports for arraignment hearings.
• Researching and entering outcomes of arraignment and bond hearings into a database.
• Attending arraignment hearings to answer questions the court may have about release recommendations.
• Conducting random urine screens to detect illegal drug use.
• Acting as back-up for Pretrial Supervision Officers when business needs dictate such.
• Developing and maintaining ongoing professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Performing other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and operational requirements.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications.
• Understanding and application of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) such as role clarifications, risk needs responsibility model, and EBP problem-solving/cognitive training.
• Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to interact professionally with judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys, and the general public.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating with various internal and external departments, following case management policies and procedures consistent with the EBP model in probation/pretrial services.
• Demonstrated ability to make informed and logical decisions, organize and maintain confidential records and files, prepare client reports, pay attention to detail, maintain confidentiality, and manage time effectively.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a related field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling.
• Requires two years of experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in the utilization of legal and evidence-based practices in community corrections.
• Knowledge of court proceedings, laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, etc.
• Understanding of human behavior and criminal behavior.
• Strong skills in problem-solving, effective communication, and administering actuarial-based risk assessments.
• Proficiency in operating a case management database and Windows-based computer applications.
• Experience working in areas with populations from local community corrections, state or federal probation/parole offices, social services agencies, juvenile probation offices, clients who have committed sex-based offenses, clients with mental health diagnoses, clients with substance abuse disorders, or clients who have committed intimate partner violence.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work independently or as a member of a team.
• VCIN Certification.
• Ability to speak Spanish fluently is strongly preferred.