Pretrial Services Specialist

Description

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 13 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age of 5.
• For County benefits, please visit . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill full time vacancies for the Pretrial Services Specialist position in "All Locations." We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill vacancies at all locations (separate lists for different locations will not be established). Therefore, applicants must check "All Locations" on the application AND be willing to accept an initial assignment at any location. It is required that you select "All Locations" on the application to be considered.

Some positions that may be filled by this recruitment have been vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CS Rule 1414) and the duration of those appointments shall be subject to the return of the individuals who are on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CS Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

THE POSITION: Under direction, provides pre-trial services oriented to incarcerated criminal defendants; makes pre-trial decisions that affect the release, increased bail, or non-release of an incarcerated individual on his/her own recognizance; supervises and ensures defendant's conduct conforms with the terms and conditions imposed by the Pre-Trial Services Unit; and performs other duties as may be required.

The ideal candidate will possess
* Strong written and verbal communication
* Reputation for honesty and trustworthiness
* Good moral character
* Credibility
* Integrity Examples of Duties

1. Interviews pre-trial misdemeanants and felons incarcerated at the Santa Barbara or Santa Maria jail to determine the suitability of own recognizance (O.R.) release, bail reduction, or bail elevation.
2. Gathers and reviews records including police records, criminal history records, Department of Motor Vehicles records, and related information.
3. Conducts background investigations including but not limited to contacting personal references and interviewing victims, law enforcement officers, attorneys, mental health providers, probation/parole officers.
4. Assesses the need for psychological and social services and arranges for appropriate referrals.
5. Makes determinations regarding public safety risk related to bail when applicable.
6. Evaluates information, makes recommendations, and submits individualized written reports to Superior Court supporting bail adjustments and pre-trial release decisions.
7. Obtains information from and provides information to judges, attorneys, other personnel, court staff, and law enforcement agencies.
8. Issues court conditions upon O.R. release, including restraining orders, substance abuse/mental health counseling, personal/telephone contact, specific living arrangements, etc.
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

1. Completion of two years (90 quarter units or 60 semester units) of college coursework from an accredited college or university in criminal justice or a related area; OR
2. Two years of experience as an investigative assistant, probation assistant, public safety officer, office professional, or equivalent in a law enforcement or other criminal justice agency that included contact with individuals charged with or convicted of crimes; OR
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Must be available to work weekends and some holidays.
• Wearing a uniform is required (a uniform allowance is provided).

Additional Qualifications:
Knowledge of: criminal behavior; criminal justice system; court procedures; social services and other agencies; pretrial services; grammar, syntax and language usage.

Ability to: make appropriate pre-trial release decisions; conduct interviews and investigations; remain impartial; make complete and accurate oral presentations; maintain confidentiality; work within time constraints; remain calm under adverse conditions; communicate and work effectively with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds; develop good public relations skills; and write clear and concise reports; deal with in-custody defendants who can be verbally combative; work in a jail setting. Testify in court proceedings as required.

Skill in: Interviewing techniques, interpersonal dynamics, and verbal and written communication.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bilingual skills: Bilingual Spanish skills are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.
  

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Application and Supplemental Question Review: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment.
3. Computerized Written Examination: Candidates who passed the PHQ will be notified via email with instructions for taking a computerized examination. Based on number of candidates who are invited to the exam, the testing format and/or testing dates could be subject to change.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on a Computerized Written Examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of six months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list and exact duration of the employment list.

A "Candidate Orientation Booklet" is available for the multiple choice portion of the exam. The booklet provides an overview of the exam format and some sample questions. The booklet is not intended to be a study guide but is aimed at reducing test anxiety and giving candidates some information about what to expect on the test.

Please Note: The Santa Barbara County Human Resources Department does not have copies of this booklet.

Use the following link to access the booklet:

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

All candidates for the job of Pretrial Services Specialist must successfully complete the following:

• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION includes an interview and a thorough check of police records, personal, military, and employment histories, and inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you: respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and are a safe driver.
• POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION will measure the accuracy of information given during the background investigation process and is part of the background investigation.

After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following:

• MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointee is subject to a medical examination.
• Submit written documentation of his/her LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK in the United States.

The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: April 12, 2024, at 4:59 PM PST: Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at .