Pretrial Services Specialist

 SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Division Head or Designee and in accordance with established statutes and policies, interviews and investigates defendants; makes recommendations for bonds and conditions; supervises defendants released on bond; provides preliminary sentencing guideline assessments, and prepares various statistical reports.  Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Locates, verifies and interprets background information and criminal history records of defendants charged with a crime; reviews investigation reports of law enforcement agencies; interviews defendants and their families.
• Identifies defendants who pose a risk of flight, are a danger to the community, or have language barriers at the time of arraignment.
• Evaluates and prepares a recommendation regarding bond, applicable conditions, and statutory maximum penalties for felonies. 
• Instructs defendants regarding conditions and responsibilities while on bond and develops an effective supervision plan for persons on pretrial release.
• Updates and maintains all defendant related records.
• Facilitates defendant’s contact with the Court.
• Conducts immediate follow-up on defendants who fail to appear for court; notifies the Court of defendants who are non-compliant with bond conditions; and prepares recommendations for show causes and/or revocation of bond when appropriate. 
• Implements surrender techniques to persuade defendants to return to court.
• Formulates a preliminary sentencing guideline assessment.
• Acts as a liaison between the Courts, Department of Corrections and law enforcement agencies on wanted persons.
• Advises the County Clerk of invalid information and dispositions in the Court’s case management system.
• Operates computers, copy machines and other office equipment.
• Compiles and analyzes statistical data.
• Performs clerical functions and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required. Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology or Social Science preferred.
• Six months of experience of investigative or case management experience.
• General knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook and relevant software and systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
• Ability to meet and interact with the public, explain Court procedures to internal and external customers in plain language that they can understand, deal courteously and effectively with their questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed. 
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, so that others can understand.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
• Ability to discern deception and act accordingly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts. 
• Ability to interact with law enforcement agencies, community service providers and all courts.
• Ability to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and to understand the speech of another person.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Broad knowledge of the community and its resources.
• Ability to prepare reports and recommendations.
• Skill in applying various statutes, their applications and implementing regulations.
• Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Court processes and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
• Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.
• Employees in this title will be required to perform duties in prisoner detention areas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
• Ability to detect, create and interpret documents.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery, items or equipment.
• Position self to move from one place to another.
• Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
• Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background investigation and subsequent fingerprinting every five years.
• Employees in this title may be assigned to work on some evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Employees in this title may be required to travel to other work locations.
• Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties. 
• Employees in this title will be required to perform duties in prisoner detention areas.
• Applicants must be eligible for employment authorization in the U.S.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.  Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

NOTES:
07/08/2015    Updated for content.
06/01/2017    Updated for content and format   
09/29/2021    Updated for content
04/20/2022    Updated for content
02/05/2025    Updated for content (Physical requirements, Licenses, grant funded statement)