Pretrial Services Officer - Screener

About the role

This position provides a full range of pretrial bond services including conducting interviews, performing assessments, and appropriate levels of pretrial release supervision.

Responsibilities

• Proactively conducts evidence-based assessments and timely interviews individuals incarcerated who will be considered for pretrial release
• Prepares pretrial release reports for the judge’s consideration for an individual’s release, as well as recommendations for conditions of release
• Accurately and timely prepares paperwork required for the individual’s release and supervision
• Congducts and documents all initial interviews, additional assessments, and office and field visits necessary for an individual’s pretrial supervision
• Communicates reminders for an individual’s court appearance, testing, and any necessary referrals
• Informs the court and District Attorney of any violations of conditions of bond
• Maintains up to date data and recordkeeping of the individual’s status throughout the duration of their pretrial supervision
• Utilizes skip-tracing techniques to locate individuals needing to report to appointments or court hearings
• Performs duties with a high level of professionalism, cooperation, and responsiveness with county staff, outside agencies, and the public
• Responds to inquiries, maintains confidentiality, and provides testimony in court proceedings as required
• Remains well-informed of state and national best and evidence-based pretrial practices
• Adheres to Lubbock County Detention Center, Lubbock County, and departmental policies, as well as ethical and professional standards of the judiciary
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent job-related experience required
• Must demonstrate a typing proficiency of at least 45 words per minute
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license and liability automobile insurance pursuant to Texas motor vehicle laws
• If transferring from out of state, candidates will have 90 days to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license
• The position may require work outside of normal business hours (8-5pm), and for work to be performed on weekends; however, weekly work hours will not exceed 40 hours unless approved by the Director

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Administrative procedures and etiquette; Operating a personal computer and basic office equipment with high proficiency; Microsoft Office Suite, specific proficiency using MS Word and MS Excel, as well as and Adobe products is preferred; Basic accounting terminology and functions
• Skilled in: Maintaining a professional attitude as a representative of the courts; Managing multiple and time sensitive projects simultaneously; Communicating effectively with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact, diplomacy and professionalism
• Ability to: Balance a cash drawer and perform basic mathematical functions; Pass a criminal background check; Maintain the integrity of confidential information; Work independently in the absence of specific instructions or with limited supervision; Adjust to rapidly fluctuating situations; Work under pressure; Interpret and apply policies and procedures; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with court staff, co-workers, county employees, department heads, elected/appointed officials, outside organizations, attorneys, and the general public

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Physical requirements include the ability to occasionally lift/carry up to 20lbs; visual acuity, speaking and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and handling for short or long periods of time in order to perform the essential functions
• Work may be performed in an office building in shared or limited space with moderate noise levels
• Work may also be performed at a detention center in various locations with noise varying from moderate to high levels, along with potential exposure to hostile individuals or infectious diseases
• Individuals may also perform field work exposing themselves to varying environmental conditions and individuals