Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation) Night Shift - Charlotte County

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS FOR THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT?

• Great working environment
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan Options
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans 

• Interview all defendants booked into the jail facilities in order to provide a quality pretrial report to the 1st Appearance Judge
• As part of the pretrial interview identify alcohol, drug, mental health, and/or other problems and refer to appropriate agencies for further assessment
• Update pretrial officers in the courtroom as to any defendants that have applied for the public defender since the previous interview so the most up to date information is available in the courtroom
• Based on the defendant's interview, prepare and submit to the Court a recommendation that follows the criteria and procedures outlined in the Pretrial Officers Intake Unit Training Manual, including community stability, interpretation of interview data and consultation with supervisor as appropriate 

• Present information to all defendants regarding the possible appointment of the Office of the Public Defender
• Screen all defendants for determination of indigence for public defender representation when appropriate

• Complete pretrial paperwork with a written summary report detailing a defendant's full criminal history and community ties
• Complete pretrial interview packet with the defendant by using booking information, local criminal history information, NCIC/FCIC criminal history information, the defendants family/friends input, and appropriate interviewing skills
• Verify defendant's responses by using data systems and contacting personal references, employment references, etc. to determine authenticity of information and to make reliable recommendations
• Assist court pretrial officers in preparation for court attendance by updating/pulling pretrial reports and updating any other paperwork that will be used in court to ensure Pretrial Services is providing the most accurate and current information available on each defendant
• Interact with law enforcement, state attorneys and public defenders, jail personnel, and court personnel as appropriate to make reliable release recommendations

• Verify whether the defendant is presently on county and/or state probation utilizing appropriate databases
• Prepare a Widman Warrant for first appearance when appropriate

• Assist with Polycom duties
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Methods, practices, principles, procedures and techniques used in interviewing and investigating as it pertains to the operation of the department
• Social casework principles and methods
• Basic structure of the criminal justice system
• Local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and statutes as they pertain to the pretrial operation
• Computer applications, including but not limited to: Benchmark, Smartbench, Microsoft Word, and Outlook

• Conduct interviews and investigations in a jail setting
• Deal effectively and professionally with defendants from various backgrounds, in various stressful conditions
• Deal professionally with a highly volatile, potentially violent population
• Deal effectively, professionally and confidentially with Judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys, and the general public
• Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary
• Efficiently operate a computer and utilize Microsoft Office Word and Outlook along with various other software programs and databases
• Follow written and oral instructions and procedures
• Effectively interpret general policy, criteria and procedures for specific situations
• Identify symptoms of substance abuse and emotional problems
• Conduct drug testing
• Exhibit sound judgment
• Maintain focus in a busy surrounding
• Maintain jail security clearance
• Work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends
• Cover other shifts when required
• Maintain consistent and regular attendance, which is required
• Work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.,4 nights per week at the Charlotte County jail
• Travel to the courthouse when needed

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public administration or a related field.
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
• Valid Driver's License is required (Florida Driver's License required within 10 days of hire).
• NCIC/FCIC certification within 30 days of hire and continuous certification throughout employment.
• Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP Certification) within 1 year of hire