Drug Court Aide

Position Overview

Duties associated with this position are primarily clerical in nature, involving limited and repetitive tasks. The Case Management Aide performs various office duties supporting the efficient daily operation of the Drug Court Office, and ensuring the accurate handling of cases assigned to that office. This work is often done under harried conditions and requires a high degree of professional responsibility. The Drug Court caseload represents a culturally diverse population, requiring the ability to communicate and deal effectively with individuals of all ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. Requires a general knowledge of criminal procedure and the criminal justice system, or a demonstrable willingness and ability to learn the same.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clerical / Office Operations.

Serve as the primary point of contact for the Drug Court Office, answering and directing incoming phone calls and serving as the front counter contact for participants, attorneys, and others reporting to the Drug Court Office to conduct business. Establish participant files, and maintain the orderly filing of participant files and documents comprising these files. Perform data entry of drug test requests, drug screen results, client reporting history, court appearance history, and other records kept in the normal course of business.

Financial/Collections.

Collection responsibilities include the retrieval of appropriate office case files, the retrieval of case and fee sheet information from the Alabama Judicial Information System, the collection of monies, and the accurate recording and receipting of collected monies in the AJIS. Additional responsibilities include the accurate notation of payment histories in office case files, and electronic files, the secure handling of collected monies and the daily accounting of all monies collected.

Intake and Processing.

Provides assistance in the initial processing of defendants assigned to Drug Court. These duties include distribution and collection of appropriate intake and processing forms to participants and the data entry of the same. Provide assistance in processing sessions-including the distribution and explanation of the written rules of the program, obtaining defendant signatures on required program documents, the scheduling of various appointments, and the filing of related documents.

Case Management Support

Assist in monitoring and enforcing the compliance of defendants with the conditions of Drug Court assignment. This is accomplished most frequently through the documentation and filing of various reports and documents originating from mail, facsimile, and telephonic communications with service providers; and from mandatory office visits by participants Draft, print, mail and file various written communications; assist in monitoring substance abuse treatment by reviewing participation status, progress reports, and drug screen results. Prepare, deliver, and file various reports to the court as required, and assist in monitoring participant progress in drug court. Assist in the timely and accurate documentation of client activities in their drug court files.

Courts. Assist the Drug Court Coordinator in the efficient operation of drug court sessions, including the preparation and distribution of dockets, preparation of return notices for defendants, scheduling of all appointments for defendants while in court, preparation of appropriate court documents. In the absence of the drug court coordinator, present to the court a report of defendant’s compliance or non-compliance.

Education and Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.
This position requires sound clerical skills and good office management skills. Good interpersonal communication skills and a general knowledge of the Alabama Court System are required. Knowledge of issues related to substance abuse and treatment in a criminal justice setting is desirable. Personal computer proficiency is required, as is the ability to create, store, retrieve, and modify various documents using Microsoft Office applications. The ability to operate a multi-line phone and modern office equipment is required. The ability to communicate professionally and effectively with people of all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The ability to accurately perform assigned duties and clerical tasks under stressful working conditions, and to accurately handle and account for large sums of money is required.

Education and Experience.
Two years of college with an emphasis of study in criminal justice, psychology, business administration, public administration, or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Prior related work experience may be substituted for educational requirements. Prior related work experience is also preferred.

Other Requirements

Special Requirements.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age. Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving force, violence or moral turpitude as defined by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

Alternative Sentencing & Release

715-C Wheeler Ave.

Huntsville, Alabama, 35801