Pretrial Service Officer (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) presso Spokane County, WA

About the Department

This position works 37.5 hours per week. 

The position allocated to this class performs investigative and pre-trial case management work related to the direct delivery of adult Pretrial services.  Duties include developing case histories, determining public defender eligibility, enforcing court-ordered supervision and implementing strategies to mitigate a defendant’s level of risk.  Under the general direction of the Pretrial Services Manager, work is performed following established procedures and Court guidelines. Incumbents initially receive on-the-job training on Court and department procedures and applicable laws and perform work under the guidance of a Pretrial Services Officer 2 or Manager. As experience is gained, the assigned work is performed with considerable independence while exercising discretion and judgment in making daily decisions.

Pretrial Services Officer 1 is the entry-level classification in this series.   Incumbents are responsible for performing duties that involve routine processes, procedures and decision making. Oversight and direction may be provided by other trained staff, a Pretrial Services Officer 2 or Manager. 

   
Pretrial Services Officer 2 is the second and lead worker level in the classification series.   Incumbents are expected to perform duties with minimal supervision and direction from the Manager.  Work is a combination of lead worker and direct service delivery.   

Promotion from a Pretrial Services Officer 1 to Pretrial Services Officer 2 may be determined by organizational need and affirmative recommendation of the department.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) submitting applications before 11/21/25. First consideration will be given to applicants working in the Office of Pretrial Services in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; third consideration given to all other applicants, including the public.

Position Duties

• Interviews non-classified felony and misdemeanor level defendants in the County jail for purposes of preparing a first appearance evaluation for the Superior and District Courts.
• Poses detailed questions to a defendant regarding residency, community ties, employment, mental health and substance abuse history. 
• Confirms or refutes information provided by contacting personal references. 
• Conducts collateral contacts with employers, schools, and/or social service agencies to enhance/verify information provided. 
• Investigates and compiles criminal history accessing records from multiple agencies. 
• Prepares and presents recommendations in District and Superior Courts pursuant to Court Rule 3.2 regarding the defendant’s eligibility for bond or release on own recognizance. 
• Monitors defendant’s progression through the criminal pre-trial process, providing updated evaluations to the Court and addressing any concerns that may impact bond setting or release status. 
• Enforces Court ordered supervision for both the Monitored Release and Felony Diversion programs.
• Maintains personal contact with defendants. 
• Addresses substance abuse, mental health and other areas of need by processing referrals. Identifies and investigates violations of supervision conditions, implement appropriate alternatives and sanctions as authorized. 
• Reports violations to the Court. Attends Court hearings to provide information and to keep abreast of case status and requirement.
• Prepares additional court reports and recommendations based on further research and evaluation using a myriad of resources as requested.
• Conducts a financial interview and evaluates defendants in jail, at Geiger and out of custody to determine qualifications for public defense services, Pursuant to Court rule 3.1. 
• Notifies the Superior and District Court of assigned or private counsel. 
• Responds to requests regarding a defendant’s legal representation or eligibility for special programs.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or closely related field, and
• One (1) year of experience working in an investigative, social service, criminal justice, court or custody setting.  
• An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of the position may be considered.   
• NOTE:  Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system as it relates to adults offenders, investigative pre-trial practices and procedures and community resources.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Knowledge of individual behaviors that would impact a defendant’s likelihood of success on pre-trial release. 
• Knowledge of interviewing and report writing techniques.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public and private officials.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agencies including the Courts, criminal justice, law enforcement, social services and educational agencies.
• Skilled in the use of current computer technology including data entry and word processing.
• Skilled in compiling and maintaining data and statistics.
• Ability to effectively apprise defendants and their families of the impending criminal process.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply statutes, court regulations and rules.
• Ability to conduct thorough investigations in a professional and impartial manner and prepare detailed case histories and reports.
• Ability to effectively work with inmates in an environment with various disagreeable elements. 
• Ability to interact and effectively provide services to clients under stressful conditions.
• Ability to convey a professional image via attire and conduct.
• Ability to consistently make effective decisions.