Pretrial Officer

Salary : $62,719.28 - $110,373.64 Annually

Location : Alexandria, VA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 2025-00048

Department : Criminal Justice Services

Opening Date : 02 / 26 / 2025

Bargaining Unit : N / A

Pretrial Officer

About the Department

Alexandria Criminal Justice Services (ACJS) is a vital agency of the City's criminal justice system. The program serves two purposes : supervising offenders and defendants in the community on behalf of the court system and providing the courts information on defendants during the arraignment / bond review process. The program fulfills its mission from two operational components local probation and pretrial services. This agency operates under the authority of the Department of Criminal Justice Services- Comprehensive Community Corrections Act & Pretrial Services Act. A Pretrial Officer performs intake and investigative work of individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting a bond hearing, or who have been referred for supervision by a Magistrate or a Judge's court order. This work involves interviewing, investigating, completing risk assessments, and making bond recommendations. The Pretrial Officer maintains a caseload of clients and ensures compliance with conditions of supervision, which have been ordered by a judge or magistrate. This work is performed under the general supervision of the Director and / or Deputy Director. This position requires early morning shift work.

Nature of Work

This position is in Alexandria Criminal Justice Services Pretrial Unit. It provides Pretrial Services to all three judicial branches : Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. Pretrial Services enhance public safety and provide community-based supervision and accountability.

Illustrative Duties

• Investigates which defendants will be Screen-in and screen-out for interview
• Conducts a full background investigation
• Verifies information provided by the defendant
• Enters and updates all information into automated database systems (PTCC)
• Administers the Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument (VPRAI)
• Prepares detailed court report and bond recommendation for judges
• Attends court daily for arraignment and bond hearings
• Manages a caseload by maintaining accurate and detailed information regarding client supervision and provides intensive case management services to clients who require more attention
• Facilitate intake interviews and assessments
• Conducts weekly, bi-weekly or monthly supervision meetings with clients
• May be required to conduct client home visits, job site checks and coordinates services with outside agencies
• Prepares supervision reports, sentencing reports, status reports, etc. for various court proceedings
• Assist clients by referring to treatment resources
• Obtains warrants
• Appears and testifies in court
• Performs related work as required

The Ideal Candidate

Thorough knowledge of the principles of sociology and psychology relating to adults, family and adult counseling methods and skills; thorough knowledge of court procedures and laws; thorough knowledge of casework methods and client supervision practices; experience administering risk assessments, good knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices; good knowledge of the principles and techniques of motivational interviewing; knowledge of constitutional rights of detainees; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals in stressful situations; good problem solving skills; time management skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; good decision making skills; good computer skills; ability to analyze attitudinal and behavioral problems objectively. Must have excellent organizational skills and be capable of working in a fast-paced team-oriented environment with tight deadlines.

Special Requirements :

Tuesday thru Friday 4 : 00 am - 1 : 00 pm

Must be able to conduct interviews at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center (Alexandria City Jail)

Basic Driving Class (Required within 3 months)

Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Certification (Required within 3 months)

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification (Required within 3 months)

Core Training Basic Skills (Required with 6 months)

Pretrial Services Professionals Certification (Required within 1 year)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This class specification provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specific function and task of this class title. A job class may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must complete the entire application package which includes :

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Minimum : Four-Year College Degree in psychology or related field; one year experience working with criminal justice, substance abuse and / or mentally ill population; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Meets Qualified Mental Health Professional criteria; employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Post graduate courses relating to Mental health and the judicial system, psychology, counseling, or related field; two years experience in case management with clients in criminal justice and mental health systems; and Bilingual English and Spanish.

We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!

The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Also, temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Benefits Division of the Department of Human Resources at 703.746.3785 or email

Do you have a bachelor's degree?

If you do not have a bachelor's degree, please indicate how many hours you have completed towards a bachelor's degree. Please enter N / A if this does not apply to you.

Please list your major / filed of study of your bachelor's degree. Enter N / A if it does not apply to you.

Do you have professional experience working in pretrial, probation, social work, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, counseling, or case management?

Please describe your experience in regards to the previous question. Including the number of years. Enter N / A if it does not apply to you.

Do you have professional experience working with clients involved in the court system?

Please describe your experience in regards to the previous question. Including the number of years. Enter N / A if it does not apply to you.

Do you have experience in conducting interviews or investigations?

Please describe your experience in regards to the previous question. Including the number of years. Enter N / A if it does not apply to you.

This position requires early morning shift work that starts at 3 : 00 am and 4 : 00 am. Are you willing and able to work these hours consistently?

This position requires an extensive background check, polygraph examination, and drug screen. Are you willing and able to complete these requirements?

This position requires that you work in a jail setting. Are you willing and able to meet these requirements?

Are you fluent in any language other than English?

If yes, please indicate which other language you are fluent in. If not, enter N / A.

Required Question

Salary : $62,719 - $110,374