Probation Officer 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Develops and presents case histories and makes recommendations to the Court regarding adult inmates; monitors, oversees, counsels and assesses needs and progress of adult offenders on probation or in a confinement setting.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the Master Contract submitting applications between 2/12/25 and 2/20/25. First consideration will be given to applicants working in District Court in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to applicants covered by the Master Contract CBA; fourth consideration will be given to all other applicants.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $64,585 - $90,392 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Conducts intake interviews and provides orientation for new offenders, reviews records and consults with other professionals to complete investigation reports, develop case histories and probation agreements; develops case management plans, monitors compliance with court ordered conditions. 

Writes evaluation and/or pre-sentence investigation reports containing summary background data gathered in probationer interviews and collateral contacts; identifies and assesses problem areas, and may provide treatment and sentencing recommendations to the court. 

Monitors and enforces court orders, programs, and other probation requirements.  Responds to non-compliance by coordinating with treatment providers, and notifying the court by submitting supporting documents and reports.  May be required to make recommendations for revocation of probation requirements.   

Participates in court hearings by providing testimony, preparing and presenting documentation and making recommendations to the Court.  May provide sentencing recommendations, including level and duration of supervision, treatment recommendations, conditions of probation, etc.   
 
Maintains detailed records, notes, and files within the department’s case management system and prepares related reports, statistics and other documents.    

Counsels and supports offenders to help them understand and resolve their challenges; assists in resolving emergency situations; refers probationers to local support networks, including treatment providers and community agencies. 

Coordinates with other agencies and jurisdictions, including law enforcement and treatment providers, to monitor activities and progress of probationers’ court orders. 

Responds to verbal and written requests for information from other departments and agencies.   
 
Performs other related duties as required.
 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university -AND-  one (1) year of experience in casework, probation, counseling, investigation or a related field.  Prefer major coursework in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology. 

LICENSE: Requires a valid lawful driver's license at the time of employment and throughout employment, and the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County. 

NOTE:  Must successfully pass a criminal background check. Per RCW 43.101.220, must complete the Adult Services Academy within six (6) months of hire, or when class is made available.
 

Knowledge of:
• the adult criminal justice system.
• individual and group behavior applicable to the probation field.
• probation philosophy, methods and practices.
• counseling and interviewing skills, techniques and methods.
• report writing techniques
• the literature, development, and trends in the field of adult probation.
• support agencies and community resources

 Ability to:
• counsel and support probationers.
• understand, interpret and apply complex statutes, court regulations and rules.
• communicate ideas and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing.
• conduct thorough investigations in an impartial manner and prepare detailed case histories and reports.
• effectively work and communicate with individuals and groups from a variety of social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• convey a professional image via attire and demeanor.
• consistently make effective decisions.
• work independently and exercise good judgment.
• establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, community and social agencies, general public, court and department supervisors.
• maintain strict confidentiality.
 
 Skilled in:
• the use of personal computers.
• Databases/statistics
 

Salary : $50,436 - $70,619