Pretrial Officer

Pretrial Officer

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About the Department

Alexandria Criminal Justice Services (ACJS) is a vital agency of the City's criminal justice system. The program serves two purposes : supervising offenders and defendants in the community on behalf of the court system and providing the courts information on defendants during the arraignment / bond review process.

The program fulfills its mission from two operational components local probation and pretrial services. This agency operates under the authority of the Department of Criminal Justice Services- Comprehensive Community Corrections Act & Pretrial Services Act.

A Pretrial Officer performs intake and investigative work of individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting a bond hearing, or who have been referred for supervision by a Magistrate or a Judge's court order.

This work involves interviewing, investigating, completing risk assessments, and making bond recommendations. The Pretrial Officer maintains a caseload of clients and ensures compliance with conditions of supervision, which have been ordered by a judge or magistrate.

This work is performed under the general supervision of the Director and / or Deputy Director.

This position requires early morning shift work.

Nature of Work

This position is in Alexandria Criminal Justice Services Pretrial Unit. It provides Pretrial Services to all three judicial branches : Circuit Court, General District Court, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court.

Pretrial Services enhance public safety and provide community-based supervision and accountability.

Illustrative Duties

• Investigates which defendants will be Screen-in and screen-out for interview
• Conducts a full background investigation
• Verifies information provided by the defendant
• Enters and updates all information into automated database systems (PTCC)
• Administers the Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument (VPRAI)
• Prepares detailed court report and bond recommendation for judges
• Attends court daily for arraignment and bond hearings
• Manages a caseload by maintaining accurate and detailed information regarding client supervision and provides intensive case management services to clients who require more attention
• Facilitates intake interviews and assessments
• Conducts weekly, bi-weekly or monthly supervision meetings with clients
• May be required to conduct client home visits, job site checks and coordinates services with outside agencies
• Prepares supervision reports, sentencing reports, status reports, etc. for various court proceedings
• Assists clients by referring to treatment resources
• Obtains warrants
• Appears and testifies in court
• Performs related work as required

The Ideal Candidate

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of sociology and psychology relating to adults, family and adult counseling methods and skills;
• thorough knowledge of court procedures and laws; thorough knowledge of casework methods and client supervision practices;
• experience administering risk assessments, good knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices; good knowledge of the principles and techniques of motivational interviewing;
• knowledge of constitutional rights of detainees; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals in stressful situations;
• good problem-solving skills; time management skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; good decision-making skills;

good computer skills; ability to analyze attitudinal and behavioral problems objectively. Must have excellent organizational skills and be capable of working in a fast-paced team-oriented environment with tight deadlines.

Special Requirements :

• This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work regardless of weather, transportation, or other disasters.
• Must be able to work non-traditional work schedule of :
• Monday and day after a Holiday 3 : 00 am 12 : 00 pm
• Tuesday thru Friday 4 : 00 am 1 : 00 pm
• Must be able to conduct interviews at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center (Alexandria City Jail)
• Must be willing to administer Urine Test
• Must be willing to complete an extensive criminal background investigation to the satisfaction of the employer
• Must pass a Polygraph Examination
• Must pass a Urinalysis Screen
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Must successfully complete Probationary Period

Certifications and Licenses Required :

• Basic Driving Class (Required within 3 months)
• Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Certification (Required within 3 months)
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification (Required within 3 months)
• Core Training Basic Skills (Required within 6 months)
• Pretrial Services Professionals Certification (Required within 1 year)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This class specification provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specific function and task of this class title.

A job class may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must complete the entire application package which includes :

• Application on NEOGOV
• Diploma and college transcripts to satisfy the minimum requirement. Transcripts should include school name, student name, degree & date awarded (if applicable).
• Minimum : Four-Year College Degree in psychology or related field; one year experience working with criminal justice, substance abuse and / or mentally ill population;
• or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Meets Qualified Mental Health Professional criteria;

employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.

Preferred : Postgraduate courses relating to Mental health and the judicial system, psychology, counseling, or related field;

two years experience in case management with clients in criminal justice and mental health systems; and Bilingual English and Spanish.

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