Probation/Diversion Officer

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $39.13 - $43.48/hour

The hiring manager is requesting a resume and cover letter to be submitted with your application.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for interviewing, conducting investigations and making sentencing recommendations for offenders cited into Lakewood Municipal Court. Tracks and monitors offenders' court ordered terms and conditions of probation, deferred judgment, case reviews and jail reviews to maintain accurate records for the Court. Works with a range of offenders to include low risk to high-risk and the caseload will be focused on adult (mostly domestic violence) or juvenile cases depending on division needs. Intervenes in crisis situations and refers offenders and families to a variety of resources and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Conducts interviews, investigations and prepares written reports with sentencing recommendations for court ordered offenders and families. Complete and score appropriate risk assessments and consider public safety when determining recommendations for the Court. Assesses individuals and behavior through interviews and investigation to determine appropriate sanctions, consequences, and services for defendants.
• Maintains accurate records of each offender, and monitors progress with terms and conditions of each offenders’ sentence. Prepares accurate written reports to the Court to include pre-sentence investigations, affidavits, motion to revokes and warrants. Recommends jail, detentions, work release, weekend work crew and electronic monitoring as types of confinement.
• Ability to manage a high case load while navigating crisis situations involving suicide, domestic violence, runaways, and other similar types of incidents with the knowledge to locate applicable resources.
• Responds to correspondences including jail reconsideration, requests to vacate restraining orders, victim issues, mental health providers, counselors, etc.
• This position may be responsible for supervising a specialized caseload which can include Domestic Violence (DV), veterans, high risk juveniles -, youth with diagnosed mental health issues or unhoused offenders.
• This position may be required to work outside traditionally established municipal court hours to supervise specialized programming such as Teen Court, the Youth Educational Team (YET) program, the Community Adult Resources and Education (CARE) program or in collaboration with the Lakewood Police Department in conducting community visits.
• Assists in developing new processes and procedures as new laws and sentencing requirements are enacted by City Council, State Legislature or other governing bodies.
• Works directly with Prosecutor's Office in plea-bargain agreements and sentencing.

Important Functions
• Testifies in Court as necessary.
• Makes official authorizations in the name of the court and probation division.
• Notifies Court Marshals when fugitives appear and reports problems or concerns immediately to the Court Marshals.
• Interprets and follows through on Judge's orders and Municipal Prosecutor’s recommendations.
• Follow supervisor's instructions based on the knowledge of the Court's principles, practices, procedures, and legal guidelines; department rules, regulations and procedures; various ordinances and state statutes relating to probation and diversion.
• Prepares, maintains and ensures the integrity of the probation records.
• Maintains a safe work environment and demonstrates awareness of and monitors surroundings.
• Assists administrative staff when requested and/or when they are short on personnel.
• Requires regular and prompt attendance.
• Conduct criminal background checks using CCIC/NCIC, JBITS, NICHE and other sites that include criminal histories.
• Must be able to transport oneself to off-site locations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision of Chief Probation Officer.
• Follows proper chain of command when conducting day-to-day operations.
Supervision Exercised: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strongly prefer bi-lingual abilities (Spanish)Excellent communication skills with the ability to de-escalate conflict situations with offenders, families, and other members of the public.
• Excellent listening skills used to gather offender information and case details.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt to changing caseload and regulations for offenders. Occasional updating of skills or knowledge through, but not limited to, cross training or outside seminars and conferences.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners. Must be able to work independently and in a team environment to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use discretion when determining appropriate sentencing while considering the publics' safety.
• Ability to make effective decisions in the absence of supervision and to accept consequences for the decisions.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks simultaneously while organizing and relaying information with speed and accuracy despite frequent interruptions.
• Criminal background check is required.

Technological Skills

Must be proficient with computers and computer software.

Education and Experience
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required (preferably in Criminal Justice or Social Sciences).
Experience:
• Two or more years' experience in the criminal justice system dealing with at-risk populations, juveniles, domestic violence perpetrators and victims.
• Must have experience working in high-pressure environment with extensive public contact.
• Working knowledge of offender services and community treatment options.
• Working knowledge of the Colorado Domestic Violence Standards is preferred.
• Experience as a probation officer, case manager or law enforcement is preferred.

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training
• Valid Driver's license and good motor vehicle driving record required.

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work

Physical Demands
Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
Sit, stand or be stationary
Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
Walk, ascend, descend on both even and uneven terrain
Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Environmental Conditions may include
Office settings

Physical Requirements – No Physical Needed
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or positions from all levels up to 30 lbs. with or without assistance

Pay Range
$33.46-$43.48

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.