Treatment Court Officer

About the role

The Treatment Court Officer supervises a caseload of criminal defendants to ensure compliance with all Treatment Court conditions. Using Evidence Based Practices, an actuarial risk assessment, and professional standards, the officer targets criminogenic needs with a focus on increasing public safety and achieving positive outcomes. The role provides the Court with alternatives to incarceration and informs the Court of any public safety implications. The position requires high moral character, strong decision-making, and the ability to problem-solve under pressure. Covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a caseload through direct contact with defendants and maintain collateral contacts with agencies and associates who influence the defendant’s life
• Investigate defendants’ personal backgrounds, prepare reports, appear and testify before the Court
• Foster an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Utilize Evidence Based and Best Practices in community supervision
• Obtain all relevant background information on defendants to effect positive behavioral change
• Complete an actuarial risk and needs assessment to manage risk, identify criminogenic needs, and develop a case supervision plan
• Use Motivational Interviewing to aid in positive behavioral change
• Address antisocial behavior through appropriate interventions
• Facilitate supervision using electronic monitoring, office/home/community visits, drug and alcohol screening, and treatment referrals
• Maintain accurate case records and review monthly contact summaries for quality assurance
• Prepare Court reports and documents in accordance with departmental policy
• Interact with the Judiciary through written and verbal correspondence
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with government and service-providing agencies
• Complete 40 hours of professional development training annually
• Undergo and maintain FBI Criminal History Clearance, PA Child Abuse History, and MCCF clearances when applicable; obtain and maintain JNET certification; complete mandated reporting training
• Promote victim restoration
• Work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and after-hours on-call responsibilities

Department-specific responsibilities

• Develop competencies in Evidence Based and Best Practices including Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Case Planning, Criminogenic Needs, National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Essential Elements and 10 Key Components
• Obtain certifications related to arrest, detention, and transportation of individuals under Court supervision; maintain annual recertification
• Demonstrate competencies in the Use-of-Force Continuum and self-defense; maintain defensive tactics certification
• Identify alternatives to incarceration/detention when appropriate
• Prepare bench warrants, violations petitions, and orders for submission to the Court; provide informed recommendations
• Facilitate detention/arrest of defendants when necessary

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field
• Problem-solving abilities, decision-making, and judgment skills to independently identify problems, weigh solutions, and recognize alternatives and their implications
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to multi-task
• Commitment to promoting public safety
• Mental strength and physical ability to complete all job requirements
• Fundamental belief that individuals can change their behavior
• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health Diagnoses, and Substance Use Disorder
• Professionalism and commitment to treating people with dignity and respect
• Regular travel throughout Montgomery County and occasionally within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Valid driver’s license
• Satisfactory pre-employment background investigation, physical examination, and drug screen

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

Work environment

Drug and alcohol testing is performed to ensure compliance with Court orders. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids and potential health hazards; Personal Protective Equipment is provided. There is a possibility of illness due to frequent public contact. The noise level is usually moderate. Travel by automobile to defendants’ homes, community locations, and prisons/secured detention facilities presents a certain amount of physical danger. Physical effort may be required during an arrest.