Pretrial Services Officer

Job Description Summary

Purpose of the Position

Begin or grow a career in the courts working for Pretrial Services!

Pretrial Services has been in operations since 1972 and has been a national leader in the pretrial justice field through its innovative programs and commitment to data-informed practices. While Pretrial Services is a division of the Superior Court, pretrial officers and staff work with all the courts in Pima County, as well as law enforcement, attorneys, and many other local justice professionals.

As a Pretrial Services Officer, your work in community corrections will take place in either the county’s detention center assisting with the setting of bail conditions or with the division’s supervision office. Both units involve officers working directly with defendants, with the goal of providing information to the court and helping assure defendant’s remain arrest free and appear to future hearings. Pretrial Services Officers serve a unique role in our local justice system, and we would love for you to join our team!

Job Description

Hiring Rate: $22.78 Hourly

Essential Functions

Utilize evidence-based practices to inform the court, for the initial setting and review of bail conditions for pretrial defendants. Officer incumbents develop individualized pretrial release plans, conditions and support the defendants’ compliance with court ordered conditions of release through supervised release. Work is performed in a correctional facility and in a professional office environment, with field work as needed.

• Interviews defendants, references and victims to gather and verify information statutorily required (ARS13-3967) to be considered when determining release conditions at any stage in the court process, from initial appearance up to case disposition. The information acquired includes employment history, educational background, previous arrest record, family and community ties, and the attempts to identify emotional, economic, psychiatric and behavioral problems.
• Administers actuarial-based assessments to determine risk of re-offense and failure to appear in Court.
• Conducts records checks for criminal history information, interprets and documents criminal history.
• Prepares bail recommendations on felony and misdemeanor defendants utilizing legal criteria and evidence-based practices.
• Makes release decisions on eligible misdemeanor defendants (Administrative Order, 1980) and produces release orders, schedules court dates, determines any special conditions of release, and processes and signs court release forms.
• Proactively mitigates defendant failure to appear in court by offering warrant prevention and resolution activities, such as court date reminders, field contacts and reconnecting defendants who have failed to appear by arranging for their self-surrender to the court.
• Monitors pretrial defendants on supervised release in accordance with the defendant’s ordered conditions of release, legal status, evidence-based practice and actuarial assessment level.
• Maintains a file of documentation of a defendant’s compliance with court ordered conditions of release, the defendant’s performance while under supervision, and a record of appearances at scheduled court hearings.
• Ensures that defendants are informed of their obligations regarding court conditions and supervision terms, and the implementation of general and special court conditions of release.
• Conducts periodic reviews of defendants’ needs, such as behavioral health, employment, housing, and other non-criminogenic factors. Facilitates the introduction of defendants with appropriate community services when requested by the defendant and/or the court.
• Conducts field visits and maintains face-to-face and written contact with defendants to ensure compliance with conditions of release.
• Notifies the court and appropriate parties of any conditions of release violations, successful and unsuccessful drug and alcohol tests, and/or any other activity pertinent to the defendant’s compliance with conditions of release, state and local laws.
• Monitors the collection of urine specimens and conducts breath analysis as ordered by the court and maintains accurate records of all specimens collected for testing.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. One year of work experience in a criminal justice related field or in a position involving personal interaction in an advisory role with clients is preferred. Or, the equivalent amount of experience, training, and/or education approved by human resources.

Licenses, Certificates & Physical Conditions

Licenses

Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s license at the time of appointment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typically performs duties in an office environment, correctional facility, and perform some duties in the community. May lift materials and/or equipment 20 lbs or less. The court is required to notify incumbents of the risk of exposure to airborne and blood borne pathogens in accordance to Department of Labor regulations CFR Part 1910.1030. A Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided.

Benefits

We offer exceptional benefits:

• Retirement Plan
• Vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• 100% paid parental leave
• Employer-paid Short -term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Wellness discount program
• Mental and Behavioral Health Benefits
• Paid Training with Advancement Opportunities
• Upon yearly anniversary, 56 hours of sick time accrued, less usage, may be rolled over to vacation time.
  
  

The Arizona Superior Court in Pima County and the Pima County Juvenile Court Center offer the same benefits as those offered to other employees working for Pima County. We offer a competitive benefits package to benefits eligible employees, which includes medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation and sick leave. Some benefits require contributions by employees in addition to contributions made by the employer. Please see the link below for a complete description of the offerings.

Pima County Benefits

Retirement Plan Participation Is Mandatory For All Eligible Employees To Include a Mandatory Pre-tax Pay Deduction. Current Rates Can Be Viewed Here

ASRS Contribution Rates

Full-time employees of government organizations may be able to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information click Student Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid.