8529 Probation Assistant - Pretrial Monitoring Specialist I & Assessment Specialist I

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for an 8529 Probation Assistant Pretrial Specialist I is a highly organized, detail-oriented individual with strong interviewing skills and the capacity to remain calm and objective under pressure. They must be able to work within strict, rapid, and often changing court deadlines.

The ideal candidate for a 8529 Probation Assistant Pretrial Specialist I holds an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university course work in the Criminal, Social and Behavioral Sciences or closely related field and has 1-2 years of previous experience in pretrial services, legal, criminal justice, or social service setting, particularly in investigative or interviewing roles; strong interviewing, analytical, and written communication skills are essential; ability to interact with, and build rapport with, a diverse, incarcerated population; is able to work non-traditional hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays; and possesses bilingual skills.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the 8529 Probation Assistant in Pretrial Services provides para-professional support by interviewing newly detained defendants to gather, verify, and analyze background information, preparing reports with risk assessments and bail recommendations for the court. They operate under supervision to monitor client compliance with release conditions and facilitate court appearances. The Probation Assistant in Pretrial Services encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities, from beginning through the fully experienced journey level, and performs assignments that require a medium degree of ability and initiative as experience is gained. The 8529 Probation Assistant will serve in a supportive role in violence reduction and reentry strategies.

Pretrial Assignments:

• 8529 Pretrial Monitoring Specialist I conducts intake interviews with detainees, verifies background information, and assesses risk to the community to assist in bail or release decisions; conducts interviews with detainees to gather information on community ties, employment, and criminal history to determine eligibility for release; supervises defendants released into the community by enforcing conditions (e.g., check-ins, treatment attendance) and monitoring for violations; coordinates services and referrals;  prepares reports for judges, detailing recommendations for release or detention, including risks to the community; reviews case files, conducts background checks, and updates information in the case management system; may install Global Positioning System (GPS) or continuous alcohol monitoring (CAM) devices on defendants; and interacts with law enforcement, attorneys, family members, and defendants to gather information and ensure compliance.
• 8529 Pretrial Assessment Specialist I evaluates recently arrested individuals to assist judges in making bail and release decisions; researches criminal histories, checks for active warrants, and verify background data via databases and contacts with references; compiles, analyzes, and submits bond reports and recommendations to judicial officers regarding eligibility for own recognizance or conditional release; interviews, completes risk assessment, and compiles information for court reports; supports unit functions; provides information to the court, may support monitoring team in community, court, or in office; prepares, processes, and obtains signatures on legal documents (e.g., Promise to Appear, release forms); and enters data into case management system and maintains accurate, confidential records.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES PERFORMED BY 8529 PROBATION ASSISTANT WITHIN PRETRIAL SERVICES AND WITHIN THE ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT

An Adult Probation 8529 Probation Assistant may be assigned to any unit within the department at any time.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Serve as liaison to collateral agencies including, but not limited to, the courts, DA’s office, schools, social services, mental health and other treatment providers, and local law enforcement agencies; research and retrieve documents requested by the court regarding records disposition and conditions of probation; may represent the department at community group meetings.

2. Locate and communicate with clients by telephone and in the office to gather factual information required for the terms of their probation, prepare referrals to available services and verify payment of court-imposed fines, restitution and child support; conduct client drug testing and maintain the chain of custody of information; transport clients to a variety of non-custodial locations.

3. Gather information from victims (who may be individuals, corporations, small businesses, the City of San Francisco, etc.) to determine restitution for pre-sentence investigations. Submit restitution reports for Court probation matters, complete judicial council forms and maintain case notes.

4. Update information in the criminal justice and case management systems on the verification of program completion/participation; update departmental databases with changes to contact information, services provided, and resources used.

5. Provide administrative support to Probation Officers and civilian personnel.

6. Perform Client checks-ins for clients visiting the Community Assessment and Service Center (CASC) for services, resources, and visits with the Probation Officers. This may entail metal detection screening, client bag checking, assisting clients with locker usage; searching for clients in the CASC Access database; entering client information and visit purpose into the CASC database, which tracks client traffic into the CASC.

7. Interact with and support clients visiting the CASC with various needs such as, but not limited to, breakfast, lunch, and food bag distribution, helping clients get to the correct on-site services or groups/classes, and answering questions clients may have regarding available services and resources.

8. Train new or reassigned probation assistants and may act as a backup to other units.

9. Process and sort incoming/outgoing mail and deliveries; operate office equipment and/or machinery. Utilize the CTAG case management system.

10. Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: office procedures, including oral and written communications, personal computer usage; various social, economic and psychological factors affecting criminal and other anti-social behavior of individuals; principles of interviewing and problem-solving methods; court procedures and the general law relating to the legal rights of offenders.

Ability to: use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; inspire confidence and employ techniques of acquiring essential information from offenders and others; develop, establish and maintain effective working relationships with the courts, governmental and community agencies, co-workers and other departmental personnel and agencies; review, evaluate, and analyze official documents; and prepare clear, accurate and concise reports for a legal environment.

Skills: computer literacy; computer-based systems. Word, Excel, Email.