Court Services Officer

Position Purpose

The position supervises adults and juveniles on or anticipating probation by preparing presentence investigations and social histories; interviewing victims; assessing offenders’ risks and needs; making recommendations to the court for sentences and dispositions; developing treatment plans and linking offenders with appropriate community-based services; and investigating, supervising, and counseling individuals to facilitate their personal, social, and economic adjustment in their communities.

Duties

• Aiding judges in forming sentences and dispositions for offenders that provide accountability and punishment and encourage rehabilitation;
• Referring offenders to services considering court orders, family dynamics, and individual difficulties and skills to facilitate their personal, social, and economic adjustment in their communities;
• Supervising probationers and diversion program participants by conducting visits at homes, work, schools, or elsewhere in their communities and by telephone; keeping precise records of all meetings; and obtaining verification for completion of services to check on their progress and ensure compliance with court orders;
• Performing court duty and attending offenders' hearings routinely to expedite court processes and assist individuals and agencies involved.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, criminal justice, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Work experience in social services, corrections, domestic violence, disability services, drug and alcohol centers, treatment centers, group homes, or a related field is preferred.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Community service agencies and the services they provide;
• Human behavior including dysfunctional behavior;
• Interviewing techniques;
• De-escalation techniques;
• Addiction and issues that contribute to its cause;
• Data collection and research techniques;
• Court processes;
• Counseling.

• Organization and prioritization;
• Time management;
• Problem-solving;
• Motivation;
• Creativity;
• Self-defense techniques;
• Conflict resolution.

• Reading and interpreting non-verbal cues;
• Managing a caseload effectively;
• Thinking independently, formulating plans of action, and remaining flexible;
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with a wide variety of people;
• Establishing and maintaining professional boundaries;
• Being a role model through truth and respect given and expected in return;
• Being compassionate, sympathetic, empathetic, and caring as well as stern, persistent, and resilient;
• Teaching probationers about boundaries and holding them accountable for their actions;
• Remaining calm in stressful and volatile situations;
• Prioritizing court matters with deadlines and sentencing dates;
• Using computer technology proficiently.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package consisting of 11-13 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.

Travel

This position will be required to work hours during evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.