MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social welfare, public administration, criminal justice or other field directly related to probation or social services work; AND one (1) year of experience, which includes counseling, interviewing, crisis intervention in a social services agency; OR two years of experience as a probation officer. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, reference and verification. Applicants must successfully complete the Adult Services Academy per RCW 43.101.220 within six (6) months of hire date. A valid Washington State Driver License is required for employment. Applicants may be required to have their own transportation, and would be reimbursed for approved mileage.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• interviewing skills, and counseling techniques
• pre- and post-sentence investigation techniques
• fundamentals and knowledge of the criminal justice systems
• policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court systems
• business writing, grammar, punctuation and report preparation
• standard techniques in handling a caseload with appropriate level of supervision

Ability to:

• follow evidence bases practices in the area of assignment and in accordance with departmental policies
• prepare, research, analyze, administer and change plans, policies and work programs as necessary
• work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges and the general public
• use discretion, diplomacy, respect, and cultural awareness to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• interview, obtain information and coordinate defendant referrals to appropriate agencies for substance abuse disorders, domestic violence, sexual deviancy, mental health indications, as ordered by the court
• testify in court, communicate with referral sources, speak before community groups and prepares legal documents and reports
• read, understand, interpret, and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment
• initiate, compile, compose and/or edit correspondence, records, narrative, statistical and financial reports and other applicable documents and assure all pertinent information from appropriate sources is included and accurate
• maintain confidentiality as required by State law, Federal law, and office procedures
• maintain accurate, confidential records and the ability to utilize these skills to prepare detailed reports when requested
• work cooperatively as a member of a team and exercise independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues and situations and comply with legal standards and requirements