Misdemeanor Probation/Pretrial Officer at Missoula County, MT

About the Department

These are two full-time opportunities with many benefits!   As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The pay range for this position is $26.2952 - $26.9526 per hour, DOE.

The Missoula County Community Justice Department is seeking two MISDEMEANOR PROBATION/PRETRIAL OFFICERS to join their team. This position performs work in the Community Justice Department to provide court-ordered misdemeanor probation and pretrial services to defendants of misdemeanor and felony crimes. Interviews, assesses, monitors, counsels, investigates, and supervises probationers and defendants held in, and released from, the Missoula County Detention Facility (MCDF) within the authority established by the court.
 
Details: Priority screening will begin on Monday, December 1, 2025. It is in your best interest to apply by this date. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established, or the positions have been filled.

• Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is requested/submitted.
• Please include with a complete application the following attachments: A letter of interest, and a resume.
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Position Duties

Assesses the current Detention Facility population to identify defendants eligible for the Pretrial Program and conducts subsequent review or assessment for the court’s consideration. Conducts in-person screening to determine defendants’ risk level and makes recommendations to the Court regarding conditions of release. Conducts background investigations, and prepares and submits recommendations for conditions of release, and the need for incarceration or early release to the court. Conducts initial assessments of defendants assigned to the Pretrial Program upon each defendant’s release from the jail. Monitors, counsels, investigates, interviews, and supervises probationers/pretrial defendants within the authority established by the court.  Performs drug and alcohol testing on a random or routine basis. Reports release violations via non-compliance reports to the court. Routinely attends or testifies in court and before administrative bodies. Investigates background and criminal history of probationers/defendants. Queries computerized databases to include but not limited to CJIN/NCIC, Full Court Enterprise and LERMS. Refers probationers/pretrial defendants to appropriate resources or programs by using a risk and needs assessment. Coordinates participation in programs and use of community resources including job training, educational supports, counseling, housing, medical services. Monitors’ compliance and progress in treatment and/or other community programs. Works collaboratively with family members and other collateral contacts to engage and support a participant’s progress as they move through the justice system. Assists in developing individual goal plans based on misdemeanor probationer/defendant input, interests, and needs. Ensures they receive reminders about their court appearances. Investigates and follows up on reports made by Law Enforcement which may require returning to work outside of normal business hours and weekends to address violations. Ensures participants’ records are entered into relevant databases for tracking progress and outcomes of at-risk populations. Maintains accurate and detailed case files, client records and program data. Assists with data collection and evaluation for research and/or referral to other agencies. Provides regular service reports to supervisor. Writes reports, articles, PSAs and other public relations pieces. Attends relevant meetings with stakeholders and criminal justice professionals. Makes recommendations to adapt program policies and adjust procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and some formal training in behavioral sciences. 
• Related work experience may be substituted for education requirements as described in MCA 46-23-1003. 
• Requires one year of experience in a criminal justice or community service provider setting providing services to defendants or individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Case management experience is desired. 
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires a valid Montana driver’s license. Must pass a criminal history background check. Requires attendance at, and successful completion of, the designated Public Safety Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic course of instruction at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (located in Helena) that includes firearms training.

Other Qualifications

Work is performed primarily in an office setting and remotely, as required. The work requires long periods of sitting at a computer terminal. Requires the driving of a motor vehicle to meet participants and attend meetings. Requires occasional light lifting (up to 20 pounds). The work involves crisis counseling with people who have experienced high levels of personal stress and trauma, creating the potential for emotional stress for the employee and possible exposure to violent incidents. Requires assignment to the on-call phone rotation and follow up on alleged probationer/defendant violations which may require working outside of regular business hours including evenings and weekends.

Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in a scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.  
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.