City and County of San Francisco

Court Alternative Specialist I (#8446)

$34.71-$42.19 Hourly / $6,017.00-$7,313.00 Monthly / $72,202.00-$87,750.00 Yearly

Definition

Under general supervision, interviews and evaluates the needs of individuals referred to an alternative sentencing program; prepares and presents reports to the courts; coordinates placement of court referrals in appropriate community service and rehabilitation assignments; prepares and maintains case records and reports and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

This is the full journeyman level classification in the Court Alternative series. Individuals in this class are required to function with relative independence under the general supervision of a Court Alternative Specialist II in providing for the placement of court assignees in appropriate alternative sentencing assignments. The Court Alternative Specialist series is distinguished from positions in the Probation Officer series in that the former describes positions which provide alternative sentencing services to court selected clients while the latter describes positions which are responsible for monitoring probation of court offenders.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

1. Interviews, assesses and evaluates the needs of individuals referred by the courts to an alternative sentencing program.

2. Coordinates placement of court assignees in appropriate community service and rehabilitation programs.

3. Acts as liaison to the courts relative to court alternative program activities; prepares and presents reports to the courts on court assignees.

4. Develops and maintains working relationships with a variety of public and private service agencies; disseminates program information to these agencies and the public.

5. Develops selection criteria and assists in the investigation, orientation and selection of community agencies for use as placement sites for program assignees.

6. Prepares and maintains case records and other related project reports and correspondence.

7. Assists in the supervision and in-service training of program employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Requires a good knowledge of: the principles, techniques and trends in alternative sentencing programs; the criminal justice system, including organization, operation and procedures of the Courts and related agencies; interviewing techniques and dynamics of human behavior; community resources and the needs and services available to multi-ethnic groups and disadvantaged juveniles and adults.

Requires ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, representatives of the courts, clients, other departmental personnel and the public; communicate effectively with individuals of divergent ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds; prepare and present clear and concise reports.

Experience and Training

Requires completion of a four year college or university with a baccalaureate degree with major coursework in the behavioral or social sciences.

 Requires at least one year of experience in a court referral program or closely related public service work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

License or Certificate

Requires possession of a valid California Driver's license.

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
CLASS: 8446; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 1/1/1900;