Pretrial Probation Officer*

About the Role

This class provides assessment and monitoring for adult offenders in the criminal justice system, including pre‑trial probation services and monitoring for defendants/offenders participating in jail diversion or court‑ordered programs. Incumbents develop, screen, assess, supervise, and monitor adults subject to pre‑trial assessment or probation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare referrals to criminal justice, mental health, and healthcare providers.
• Complete pre‑trial supervision intake reports.
• Conduct random drug screens and coordinate/supervise other court‑ordered testing.
• Testify in court.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with collateral agencies such as judges and their staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and service providers.
• Communicate case problems/issues.
• Conduct investigations for bail recommendations.
• Conduct regular supervision meetings with clients.
• Monitor client release conditions and address issues impacting client compliance.
• Enter data into databases, maintain files, and complete file closures.
• Conduct pre‑trial risk assessments.
• Prepare client status and violation reports for the courts.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and memoranda.
• Obtain commitment orders to determine a defendant’s eligibility.
• Interview defendants to gather background information.
• Administer actuarial‑based risk assessments to determine risk of re‑offense and failure to report to court.
• Make phone calls to collateral contacts to verify information provided by the defendant.
• Determine risk level and use an objective tool to make release recommendations.
• Generate reports from a database and package reports for arraignment hearings.
• Research and enter outcomes of arraignment and bond hearings into a database.
• Conduct random urine screens to detect illegal drug use.
• Develop and maintain ongoing professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Perform other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and operational requirements.

Supervision

This classification typically does not supervise other employees and reports to a senior officer. Other reporting relationships may apply.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications (e.g., CAIS, Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), Judicial Information System, VINELink).
• Understanding and application of Evidence‑Based Practices (EBP) such as role clarifications, risk‑needs‑responsibility model, and EBP problem solving and cognitive training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other computer programs.
• Proven ability to interact professionally with judges, non‑judicial personnel, attorneys, and the public.
• Skill in communicating with internal and external departments, following case management policies consistent with the EBP model.
• Ability to make informed, logical decisions, organize and maintain confidential records, prepare client reports, attend to detail, maintain confidentiality, and manage time effectively.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field such as psychology, social work, or counseling.
• Two years of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be used to meet the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in the utilization of legal and evidence‑based practices in community corrections.
• Familiarity with court proceedings, laws, legal code, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
• Understanding of human and criminal behavior.
• Strong problem‑solving, effective communication, and actuarial‑based risk assessment skills.
• Experience operating a case management database and Windows‑based applications.
• Experience working with populations from local community corrections, state or federal probation/parole offices, social services agencies, juvenile probation offices, sex‑offense offenders, individuals with mental health diagnoses, substance‑abuse disorders, or intimate partner violence.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member.
• VCIN certification.
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements

None required.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions and under time constraints. The role may require regular finger, talk, hear, see, repetitive motions, and standing; occasional walking, crouching, and lifting. The work is considered sedentary.

Working conditions may include travel to other locations within and outside the City of Richmond, exposure to hazardous physical conditions (mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations), atmospheric conditions (fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation), inadequate lighting, intense noise, and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.