Hybrid Court Services Officer I - Superior Court at Whatcom County, WA

About the Department

This position organizes, coordinates and facilitates the efforts of diverse individuals, groups and agencies involved with Superior and Juvenile Court Administration.  The Court Services Officer performs court services work at the professional entry level to provide statutory and support services in the areas of dependency proceedings, probation, Dependency and Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (VGAL), Minor Guardianship Guardian Ad Litem, BECCA bill, offender intake, diversion and offender supervision. Investigates, oversees, and counsels juveniles and/or families referred to the Court.  Focuses on public safety, accountability, competency development in case planning.  Assesses risk, develops case plans and monitors casework.  

Whatcom County Superior Court is an independent branch of government and personnel employed under the judicial branch of government.  The positions are in accordance with GR 29. Under GR 29, the Presiding Judge is responsible for the daily operations of the Court, which includes working conditions, hiring, discipline, and termination decisions.

Key Duties Include:

• Supervises cases, monitors court orders, and provides support for all areas of Juvenile Court as assigned, including dependency proceedings, minor guardianships, Becca Bill programs (Truancy, At-Risk Youth, Child in Need of Services), offender pre-trial matters, offender supervision, diversion, and evidence-based programs. 
• Completes intake process for juveniles and develops appropriate case plans using principles of risk/need/responsivity. Utilizes approved risk assessment tool as appropriate to inform recommendations. 
• Performs caseload activities such as reviewing and monitoring pre-trial release conditions, making bail recommendations, and conducting pre/post sentence investigations. Develops probation agreements in accordance with court rules and juvenile’s identified risks and needs.  
• Recommends alternatives to detention when appropriate and utilizes graduated interventions to ensure community safety, accountability and competency development.
• Assists in organizing, coordinating and facilitating the Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (VGAL) volunteer program. Assists in implementing and analyzing the effectiveness of the VGAL program in Whatcom County.  Participates in recruiting, training, and supporting Guardian Ad Litem volunteers for the VGAL program.  
• Represents the best interest of children in dependency proceedings under Title 13 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or under Title 11 Minor Guardianships.  Organizes, coordinates and facilitates the efforts of diverse individuals, groups and agencies within the Juvenile Division of Superior Court Administration.   Implements programs and analyzes effectiveness.  
• Oversees juveniles to ensure compliance with probation agreements.  Monitors performance, maintains contact, and develops case plans for an assigned caseload in accordance with the department quality assurance plan and the statewide Case Management Assessment Process (CMAP). 

Supervisor: Assistant Administrator

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM 

For more information, please review the job description below for the full scope of the job:

• Court Services Officer I

Salary Range: MCBA 160.0 $31.54 - $45.48

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in in criminal justice, social or behavioral sciences, , or a related field, AND two years of progressively responsible experience working with adolescents.  
• Previous experience in the criminal justice system is desired. 
• Knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System, state RCW & WAC's and court rules and procedures preferred.
• Experience with assessments and evaluations of juveniles and their families and knowledge of community resources and networking preferred.

Other Qualifications

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family 
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program(EAP)
• Additional benefit information

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