Pretrial Services Officer - Assessor

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interviews defendants who have been booked into the Porter County Jail and who have not posted bond prior to an initial hearing.
• Completes the Indiana Risk Assessment System – Pretrial Assessment Tool (IRAS-PAT) and criminal records check, and prepares a Pretrial Services Report for the court that includes recommendations for pretrial release and/or pretrial monitoring.
• Monitors an administrative caseload of pretrial defendants through documentation and data entry in the departmental case management system.
• Conducts drug tests as needed according to departmental guidelines.
• Compiles and submits appropriate narrative and statistical reports of activity as requested.
• Maintains accurate records, reports, and statistics regarding cases and client information.
• Adheres to established court and department policies and procedures.
• May perform duties of other pretrial officers, including pretrial supervision.
• Attends various training sessions as required, including annual continuing education courses.
• Performs related duties as assigned and/or required by law.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Services/Science, or a related field.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to meet all department hiring requirements, including passing a written exam.
• Ability to successfully complete initial and ongoing training/certifications, including Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS) certification.
• Working knowledge of all local, state, and federal laws applicable to pretrial operations, with the ability to apply and enforce regulations as needed.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system, including customary practices and procedures of the court.
• Working knowledge of standard office procedures and computer software programs used by the department, with the ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and the ability to maintain complete and accurate files and prepare department forms, documents, and reports within established deadlines.
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment, including a computer, copier, fax machine, scanner, telephone, and vehicle.
• Ability to work alone with minimal supervision and with others in a team environment; to work on several tasks simultaneously; to work rapidly for long periods; and to work under time pressure.
• Ability to file, post, and mail materials.
• Ability to compile, analyze, and evaluate data to make determinations and act based on data analysis.
• Ability to make basic arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including but not limited to attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with co-workers, clients, other city, county, and state departments, court officials/personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, community corrections, and members of the public in a courteous and tactful manner, including sensitivity to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversity, and disabilities.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.
• Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
• Ability to work with violent or irate individuals and handle situations involving potential physical harm to self or others.
• Ability to occasionally work extended hours and travel out of town, sometimes overnight, to attend training.
• Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license and a demonstrated safe driving record.
• Must be a Porter County resident or willing to relocate within six (6) months of hire.