Probation Officer, Domestic Violence Specialist

Overview
A Probation Officer performs a full range of intake and investigative work which provides case management to adults involved with Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court. An employee in this class is granted a wide range of authority under the Code of Virginia. This Probation Officer carries a case load which includes complex and challenging cases.

This position is responsible for providing high quality supervision to adult pretrial and post-trial clients (defendants and offenders) referred to Alexandria Criminal Justice Services. The duties are as follows: Maintains a pre-trial and probation caseload of specialized and high-risk clients Provide supervision and case management services to clients who have been convicted of a domestic related crime. Prepare reports and attend court proceedings. Act as a liaison between the Bench, county departments, local/state/federal agencies, treatment providers, and service providers to assist clients in establishing and maintaining a positive support network in the community. These complex cases require specialized skills and treatment approaches by coordinating with all needed service providers in different disciplines. Assist in rehabilitation of clients through treatment, supervision, education, counseling, mentoring, conflict resolution, and referrals to community resources. Presents cases in court, team meetings and makes sound recommendations to the judiciary. Works directly with Commonwealth Attorney, Defense Attorney, and Treatment Providers to provide continuity of care and treatment. Assist clients with maintaining compliance with the court’s orders. This Probation Officer performs his/her duties under the general supervision of the Director, and may be called upon to be available on a 24-hour basis in the event of an emergency or crisis.

Examples of Work

• Maintains contact with clients per department contact standards, which will include direct and indirect contacts, office visits, home visits, and placement visits.
• Provides resources and/or refers clients for supplemental evaluations and/or appropriate education, counseling and treatment programs as ordered by the Court.
• Collaborates with clients and others to identify strengths and needs, identify support, and coordinate services. This includes participating in staffing/meetings to coordinate internal and external services for clients.
• Utilizes evidence-based assessments, strategies, and interventions to promote law abiding behavior and support client change.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop case plans. Identify client’s risk/criminogenic needs and level of supervision utilizing a validated risk/needs assessment.
• Prepares and files show cause petitions, court reports and capias’; notifies the client of the court dates, attends and testifies in court as needed.
• Provide the Court with written and verbal reports, including recommendations for sanctions, evaluations, treatment, and/or education to assist in the issuance of an appropriate evidence-based disposition.
• Enters and updates data in the PreTrial Community Corrections (PTCC) Case Management System.
• Writes and maintains thorough and accurate chronological records of all client-related contacts.
• Provides supportive services to clients such as crisis intervention, supportive counseling, problem solving, etc.
• Implements sanctions/rewards for pro-social behavior with collaboration of interdisciplinary team members.
• Monitors payment plans for court costs, restitution, treatment, and program fees.
• Research criminal history via automated databases (i.e., NCIC/VCIN).
• Administers drug and alcohol testing to clients pursuant to Statute.
• Attends regular meetings with City partners and other community stakeholders.
• Maintains & prepares statistical data and administrative reports as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department
Alexandria Criminal Justice Services (ACJS) is a vital agency of the City's criminal justice system. The program serves two purposes: supervising offenders and defendants in the community on behalf of the court system and providing the courts with information on defendants during the arraignment/bond review process. The program fulfills its mission from two operational components -- local probation and pretrial services.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-Year College Degree in psychology or related field; one year experience working with criminal justice, substance abuse and/or mentally ill population; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Meets Qualified Mental Health Professional criteria; employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or other related field and case management experience providing specialized treatment to individuals with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders who are also involved with the criminal legal system. Four years of experience working in the criminal legal system with individuals with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. Experience supervising domestic violence clients. Bilingual/Spanish Speaking preferred.

Notes

• This position is a grant-funded position
• The selected incumbent must successfully pass all required training and complete a one (1) year probationary period.