Pretrial Services Specialist (#SS5 )

$28.69-$36.63 hourly / $4,972.84-$6,349.08 monthly / $59,675.20-$76,190.40 yearly

• Review detention housing files on all inmates brought into custody to determine those eligible for the possibility of release and place those files in priority order;
• Interview detainees in a locked facility covering areas such as residence, ties to the community and employment;
• Verify information obtained in interviews;
• Conduct background checks;
• Gather and review criminal history records;
• Obtain information from a variety of sources such as judges, victims, employers, families and friends of detainees, Probation, Parole, and Mental Health;
• Act as a liaison with records personnel, judges, court staff and other criminal justice and social service agencies;
• Evaluate information, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the Court concerning bail adjustments and conditions for release;
• Appear in court as required to provide information and testimony;
• Maintain files and records regarding case disposition;
• Monitor the status of released persons and investigate the whereabouts of defendants who fail to appear in court;
• Prepare correspondence and paper work such as agreements to appear, reminder letters, bail enhancement forms;
• Compile statistics;
• Answer inquiries from the public, court and detention personnel regarding detainee's status;
• Enter and access computerized information.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Working knowledge of:

• Interviewing and investigative techniques.
• The principles of penology as they affect persons in legal custody.
• Court and arrest procedures.
• Social, economic and psychological forces that affect behavior.
• Laws relative to criminal offenses.
• Local law enforcement record-keeping systems.
• Community and governmental resources available for
• Office procedures and practices.

Ability to:

• Interview effectively and obtain needed information.
• Gain the trust of detainees from diverse cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds to obtain confidential information.
• Diffuse potentially volatile situations.
• Analyze information; evaluate the consequences of alternative solutions and use sound judgment in reaching conclusions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with judges, detainees, law enforcement personnel, Mental Health employees, and others contacted in the course of business.
• Understand, apply and interpret regulations, policies and procedures.
• Learn to read criminal history sheets, from a variety of sources such as the FBI, DMV, and state and local law enforcement agencies.
• Effectively use criminal justice information resources.
• Prepare clear, factual and comprehensive correspondence and reports.
• Set priorities and work effectively under the pressure of deadlines.
• Work independently with little supervision.
• Orally present and explain facts and situations effectively.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Input and access computerized information.
• Work in locked facilities.
• Push and pull heavy doors to gain access to locked facilities.
• Carry files, reports, and reference journals weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Distinguish mechanical sounds such as warning alarms and low volume conversations in a noisy environment.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Two years of experience which demonstrates the ability to investigate and/or interview in a legal, criminal justice or social service environment; or one year of experience and two years of college (the equivalent of 60 semester units) in criminal justice, psychology, penology, sociology or a related field.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

License Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting and background investigation is required.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: Offensive odors; individuals who may be intoxicated or mentally ill; individuals who may be verbally and/or physically abusive; high levels of noise; allergens such as dust; and the possibility of exposure to infections which might cause chronic disease or death.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to work a flexible schedule.

EST: 1/81 REV: 4/97 Analyst: JS