Adult Probation Officer 2

Description Summary

Why It's a Great Opportunity

As a professional with experience in and understanding of justice-involved individuals, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the community. As an Adult Probation Officer 2, you will use your case management experience and de-escalation skills to complete risk assessments, interview and write reports, complete investigations, provide court testimony, and most importantly, supply resource navigation and connection.

Pierce County District Court (PCDC) is committed to administering criminal justice in ways that are both effective and efficient. We focus on improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals by addressing the whole person and identifying and responding to their risks and needs rather than treating them as cases to manage. From our therapeutic courts to our probation division, we apply evidence-based best practices. Our workforce reflects the diversity of the community we serve, and we continually work to enhance equity and public service.

Why It's a Great Department

The mission of Pierce County District Court, as an independent and impartial branch of government, is to promote respect for law, society, and individual rights; provide open, accessible, and effective forums for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient, and timely manner; and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties.

Pierce County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction hearing the following cases:

• Traffic and non-traffic infractions
• Criminal and criminal-traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
• Civil matters for damages for injury to individuals or personal property, and contract disputes no greater than $100,000
• Small claims for recovery of money not to exceed $10,000
• Name changes
• Antiharassment protection orders
• Stalking protection orders

How To Be Successful In The Role

We are looking for candidates who have some knowledge or understanding of the following: working with justice-involved veterans, domestic violence dynamics, substance use and mental health issues, and their connection to criminal activity. This role requires exceptional communication, time, and stress management as well as a focus and desire on improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals.

Your Future In This Role

Your future in this role includes robust training where you will spend the majority of your time with assigned supervisors and officers from various units. You will learn the processes for each of the units as well as be trained in the core functions of probation. In-office training will include: Administering Risk Assessments, Investigations, Report Writing, Interviewing, Testifying in Court, Resource Navigation, Substance Use Recognition, and RCW/WAC reviews. Mandatory Misdemeanant Probation Academy Training will be scheduled within the first year.

Core Daily Responsibilities

Observe and document offender appearance and behavior. Note speech tone and characteristics.
Conduct criminal record history review.
Assess problem areas, including chemical dependency, domestic violence and mental illness issues and sexual deviancy issues.
Conduct pre-sentence investigations and prepare pre-sentence reports on complex and multi-problem cases; identify problem areas; present sentencing recommendation to the court.
Develop and implement individual probation plans to meet conditions set by the court, and may assist, when directed by supervisory staff, other probation officers in this function.
Supervise offenders with more serious and multiple problems; provide assistance for offenders regarding matters that may affect individual probation plans; provide direction regarding treatment programs.
Prepare written reports to and/or appears in court on routine and complex cases of unusually serious consequence; use sound judgment in making recommendations to the court.
Maintain contact and correspondence with the court, community agencies, offenders, physicians, treatment sources, and other applicable interests in order to supervise compliance and progress of cases; maintain comprehensive log of contacts, information obtained and actions taken relative to cases.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree that provides the necessary education and skills in dealing with complex legal and human issues, as well as competence in making decisions and using discretionary judgment.
• A course study in sociology, psychology, or criminal justice is preferred.
• Three years of investigation or social casework experience, including Two years at a level equivalent to an Adult Probation Officer 1.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers. Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.