Pretrial Specialist

Compensation Range

$29.30 - $38.10

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Job Description Summary

We are seeking a proactive and organized Pretrial Specialist to join our team. The projected schedule will be Wednesday-Friday (6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), and Saturday (5:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), 10-hour shifts.

Under general supervision, performs professional release risk assessment and case management work in a jail and office setting in support of Pretrial Services. Work involves conducting interviews and assessment into adult detainees' backgrounds and criminal histories, making pretrial release and bond recommendations to the Court and performing a variety of related tasks. Responsible for interviewing and assessing detainees to obtain detailed information, verifying alleged offenses committed, communicating with various judicial officers as well as friends and family members of detainees, preparing a variety of related documentation, establishing and maintaining files, performing data entry, utilizing various databases to research detainees' criminal histories, and assisting judicial officers in various hearings. Work also involves managing a caseload of adult defendants charged with felonies and/or misdemeanors who have been released from jail on bond until final disposition of the case(s) and monitoring the defendants compliance with specific conditions of their release ordered by the Court.

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Job Description

Assess & Interview Jail Detainees - 45%

• Track detainees booked into jail via secondary query of Weld County data management system. Individually interview and assess adults booked into the Weld County Jail to determine their pretrial release suitability, likelihood of committing new criminal offenses and/or likelihood of appearance to all future court hearings.
• Utilize complex computerized data entry equipment and various word processing, spreadsheet and/or file maintenance programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information as requested or otherwise necessary. Utilize county, judicial, state and national law enforcement databases to obtain criminal history information about detainees. Summarize data in preparation of standardized reports for various judicial officials.
• Compile and verify information, citing all contacts, and prepare detailed reports of detainees' status. Obtain and record detainees' place of residence, family ties, employment, prior criminal convictions, status of any pending cases/sentences, drug, alcohol and/or mental health concerns and amend files to reflect changes as appropriate. Furnish this information to the Court and judicial officials. Information presented helps to directly determine the release or continued incarceration of defendants.
• Review with and furnish information to detainees on reporting instructions for next court date and/or for pretrial supervision. Prepare written reports to various judicial officers on the pre/post advisement release of detainees.
• Assist and as scheduled, personally attend detainees’ first court appearance advisement hearings. Provide oral input based on expertise and observations, as appropriate. Inform detainees of hearing process. Document and report outcomes for Courts and the department. Input outcomes in Pretrial Services database.
• Notify and/or inform a variety of agencies and individuals regarding detainees' status, to include the Sheriff's Office, Probation/Parole Officers, police, victims, defendants' families, other Pretrial Services agencies and other judicial jurisdictions. Respond to inquiries made of agencies on the status of detainees and their bond conditions, electronic monitoring or community treatment participation. Respond to myriad of citizen, county, court and law enforcement requests, on status and needs of defendants.

Pretrial Release Supervision - 50%

• Interview defendants, prepare individual supervision plans, and explain the orders of the court and the requirements of their pretrial supervision. Collect and process applicable fees from defendants
• Maintain regular contact with defendants via telephone, in writing or in person, to monitor their activities and compliance with specific conditions ordered by the courts. Personally, appear in court to support submitted correspondence.
• Refer defendants to various community-based agencies for substance abuse testing, and required monitored sobriety/treatment services.
• If a condition of their pretrial release supervision, explain to defendants electronic monitoring equipment, describing the type/use of the equipment ordered; initiate referrals for electronic monitoring. Monitor compliance of defendants with electronic monitoring.

Training, Meetings & Administrative Duties - 5%

• Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, and lectures, as appropriate, to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in field of pretrial and alternative correctional services. Review professional journals, attend association and professional meetings and otherwise maintain contacts with criminal justice professionals to facilitate exchange of information. This may include attendance to Weld County Community Corrections Board meetings.
• Assist administrative support staff with preparing case files, answering phones, reception of defendants, providing cross training of other departmental staff and “backup” coverage to other division personnel.

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Required Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in sociology, psychology, human services, corrections and/or social sciences or a related field.

Experience Qualifications

• 1 year related experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Weld County Government and 19th Judicial District practices and general operational policies and procedures. (Low proficiency)
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to pretrial justice / counseling / case management professional standards, federal, state and local laws, codes or ordinances; understanding of principles, practices, procedures and philosophies of public administration or criminal justice; (Medium proficiency)
• Knowledge of Colorado Judicial System, its many databases and of various forms of alternative correctional services; policies, procedures, goals and objectives of the department; (Low proficiency)
• Knowledge of The practices and procedures of the court system, including common provisions and requirements for detainees; (Low proficiency)
• Methods and procedures for verifying defendant information, including use of Colorado Courts Data Access and general understanding of National and Colorado Crime Information Center computer systems; and (Low proficiency)
• Knowledge of current literature, trends, and developments in the criminal justice field. (Low proficiency)
• Skills to collect, analyze and present objectively to others and with ease, information about the performance and compliance of persons under the care of the department; and use common office machines, including popular computer-based word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance applications. (Medium proficiency)
• Analyze and interpret policy and procedural guidelines to defendants and formulate, develop supervision plans; (Medium proficiency)
• Use independent judgment and discretion in setting schedules, goals and ongoing supervision of persons under the care of the department; (Medium proficiency)
• Exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with defendants as well as with various county, court and other public officials with differing levels of authority and influence and the general public; (Medium proficiency)
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, county personnel, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community; (Medium proficiency)
• Apply individual and group problem-solving and decision-making processes to previously unknown situations; (Medium proficiency)
• Exercise organizational and analytical skills; (Medium proficiency)
• Establish and maintain complex electronic and tangible records and files; (Medium proficiency)
• Work harmoniously with defendants and/or other department and county personnel; (Medium proficiency)
• Demonstrate good investigative skills and process detailed information to assess risk and needs of defendants with overall outcome of safety to the community; (Medium proficiency)
• Possess effective interview skills with defendants; (Medium proficiency)
• Comprehend frequently used terms in correctional supervision and rehabilitation; (Medium proficiency)
• Understand basic treatment modalities and administer various substance abuse/mental health assessments; (Medium proficiency)
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community agencies for consultation, evaluation and case planning; and (Medium proficiency)
• Process and enter large volumes of data into various databases, interpret data and effectively use common software applications; query local, state and national databases. (Medium proficiency)
• Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.

Licenses and Certifications

• Driving is essential in this position.
• Candidate must have a valid Driver’s License and Liability Insurance (Upon Hire Required)
• Candidate must pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) evaluation and if hired, will be subject to continuous monthly MVR monitoring and random drug screens throughout employment. (Required)
• Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings.

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Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered:

https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits

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Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at humanresources@weld.gov or (970) 400-4234.