Probation Officer presso City of Bremerton, WA

About the Department

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a cost of living adjustment of 2.70% has been approved for 2026.

Professional work providing assessments for the court and probation services for misdemeanant offenders, including pre-sentence interviewing, evaluation, report writing, meeting with probationers regarding progress, counseling, originating correspondence, and interacting with treatment agencies.  Incumbent is expected to become acquainted with agency, state, city and court policies, procedures, and regulations; to apply basic diagnostic and counseling principles; to develop the ability to efficiently utilize community resources; to utilize all available resources in determining the best alternative for a given situation or case. This position reports to the presiding judge.

Position Duties

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.   The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

• Supervise all assigned probationers for compliance with court orders and report probation violations to the court.
• Act as a liaison between the court and treatment providers.
• Prepare and submit violation reports to the prosecutor and the court.  Report may include recommendations for action.
• Upon request from the Judge, conduct pre-sentence investigations, which may include contacting family members and witnesses for information.
• For active probation cases or otherwise requested by the Judge, interview defendants, review treatment plans, and make recommendations to the court.
• Counsel clients with social, chemical dependency, behavioral and mental health issues, screen treatment needs and refer to appropriate agencies.
• Monitor attendance of meetings and treatment compliance.  
• Perform urinalysis and saliva based drug and alcohol testing.
• Assist clients with emergency services such as shelter, food stamps, clothing and healthcare.
• Develop policies and procedures to assure efficient office operations.
• Attend conferences, seminars, review literature, codes, policies, and guidelines of external agencies and bureaus to assure department compliance with state and city regulations.
• Meet with offenders in jail.
• Complete data entry on the computer base system for caseload tracking, reporting, letter writing, and accessing appointment calendar.
• Process all Interstate Compact requests.
• Coordinate requests for mental health assessments and orchestrate obtaining bed dates when requested by the Judge or the court.
• In the event a person is taken into custody from the courtroom or on a bench warrant and a Bremerton Police Officer is not readily available, the probation officer will supervise the defendant until an Officer arrives.

Other Duties 

• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Perform related work as assigned and/or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of court rules, policies, procedures, civil and criminal law procedures in Washington State.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, JIS, JABS, Tyler Supervision, and OCourt computer systems.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with defendants, department staff, other agencies, and the general public both verbally and in writing.
• Write clear and accurate reports.  
• Organize and prioritize varied work assignments.
• Enforce and monitor court requirements and report violations.
• Learn and use new operating systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or any other closely related field as required by ARLJ 11; or
• Two years experience as a probation officer or equivalent position; and
• Two years of experience in the criminal justice system, social work, or similar field that includes caseload management, direct client services, or criminal law.

Special Requirements

• Must complete the Basic Adult Services Academy as required by statute within 6 months of hire. This can be extended due to program availability.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or listen, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is routinely required to walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions:

Requires travel within the Bremerton-Kitsap County area.  Extended shifts may be necessary to meet with probationers. Meet with probationers at jail. Potential hazards may exist while obtaining UA and saliva samples. Hazards also exist while dealing with clients in crisis.

Other Qualifications

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
 
Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, or by calling (360) 473-5348.
 
Required Application Materials: City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position. You are welcome to mention relevant certifications on your resume. 
 
Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant’s education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.
 
Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant’s training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
 
Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%

Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.
 
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
 
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
 
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348.
 
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.

Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.

Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System.

Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head.  Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies.  

This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee.  It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change.