City of Seattle
Mission
The Seattle Municipal Court’s (SMC) mission is to provide a forum for people to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. The Court is dedicated to advancing social justice issues by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community and building a diverse workforce. The Court works collaboratively to realize the City of Seattle’s vision of racial equity by participating in the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). Candidates with the ability to effectively work with multi‑cultural communities and who are committed to being respectful and impartial when addressing customer issues are encouraged to apply. SMC is a highly innovative and progressive court with a community‑based approach to judicial administration.
The Seattle Municipal Court is hiring a Probation Counselor 1 (PC1) to work as a key member of our Probation Services team performing out‑of‑custody and/or in‑custody probationary services for individuals who have been sentenced by the Municipal Court.
YOU WILL BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION IF YOU:
Passionate about public service and eager to dive into new challenges with an abundance of energy, urgency, and positivity.
Understands systemic and institutional racism and motivated to work toward ending them.
Is an active listener with an empathic ear.
Is skilled in interviewing, performing assessments and writing reports for a high‑volume caseload.
Aptitude to learn new systems/technology and approaches to probation. This includes leaning into pilot programs and being the first to implement new/innovative approaches to probation.
Enjoys working as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment but can also make independent decisions and use discretionary judgment.
Responsibilities
Monitor a caseload of probationers (offenses include Impaired Driving, Domestic Violence (DV)) and other misdemeanor offenses using a case management system that records, documents, and audits Probation work.
Monitor, assess, motivate, and counsel probationers toward compliance with court‑ordered conditions related to substance abuse and addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and other criminogenic behavior. Includes regular contact with probationers, treatment providers, community agencies and case and case managers, and other courts. Supervision may include other community‑based work.
Appear in court to testify and present findings during review and status hearings.
Administer drug and alcohol tests, interpret, and report out results to the Court, client, and treatment providers. Collaborate with all parties in developing trauma‑informed and therapeutic adjustments to probation monitoring and treatment programs prioritizing supportive rather than punitive responses to drug and alcohol use.
Develop a case plan, refer probationer to community agencies/resources, and provide crisis intervention/referrals.
Prepare and maintain reports including but not limited to review, status, phase review (classification), dismissal and closure reports. Complete pre‑sentence assessments and provide recommendations that guide disposition decisions related to treatment and supervision. Make community/site visits to community agencies and treatment providers when necessary.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or closely related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that meets ARLJ 11(a)(1) & (2).
Complete the Misdemeanant Probation Counselors Academy per WAC 139‑10‑235 within one year of hire and maintain annual continuing education as required by department.
Commitment to evidence‑based practices and effective work with diverse communities.
Experience, Commitments, and Skills
Extensive experience in Misdemeanant or Juvenile supervision, Child, or Adult Welfare social work, or non‑probation case management roles where interaction with criminal justice involved clients was the primary focus of the position. Preference given to those currently employed in a desired qualified position or within the previous five years.
Proven ability to make decisions and use discretionary judgment in accordance with ARLJ 11(b).
Working with and involvement in community organizations, group facilitation, and collaboration with citizen groups and other governmental agencies.
Commitment To
The belief that securing basic human needs, therapeutic growth, and the accomplishment of personal goals drives behavior change, more so than punitive, carceral responses to misdemeanor crime.
Supporting court divisions in identifying and achieving performance goals through the advancement of equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusive practices.
Applying supportive, equitable, and trauma‑informed principles to case management, client interactions, report writing and court testimony.
Developing an understanding and commitment to Court and department values and principles; showing that commitment in all clients, partner, and colleague interactions, including client interviews and correspondence, agency/provider communication, court report writing and testimony, case documentation, and all other areas of work performed under the umbrella of Seattle Municipal Court and Probation Services.
Continued growth and development in the areas of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing, along with any other areas of professional competency the Court or department identifies as an area of practice to emphasize, enhance, or develop.
Skills
Communicating both verbally and in writing with professionalism, diplomacy, and kindness with the Court’s culturally diverse clients and staff.
Writing and testifying in a court to reports that are required to meet an evidentiary standard of proof.
Trauma‑Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing.
Maintaining objectivity while working under pressure and in stressful situations.
Identifying, assessing, and acting on client needs/emergencies/crises to include utilizing de‑escalation techniques, giving referrals, providing motivation, and making recommendations to the court.
Managing a high‑volume workload/caseload with demonstrated ability to manage time and maintain an organized workload.
Using MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Who may apply This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Why Work at the City The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, personal commitments, and the ways we share perspectives and encourage others. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services. If you share these values and meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply.
Hiring Process In addition to completing your online application, the following attachments are required for your application to be considered complete:
Resume
Cover Letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications and how you would apply them to advance and support the court’s RSJI mission.
Writing Sample (your own original work; submissions generated by AI will not be considered).
Writing Sample Requirement To maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of our selection process, we require that this sample be your own original work. Submissions generated by AI will not be considered. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete this exercise, please let us know; requests will not affect your candidacy.
Prompt:
Seattle Municipal Court Probation Services adopted changes to our probation monitoring practices in 2022 and 2023 that are rooted in goal‑based supervision, equity, transparency, and client support. We believe in second chances, opportunities, putting resources and time where they’re needed—and fundamentally that clients who struggle with compliance are the ones who need our attention and support the most.
Please address the following in your writing sample:
Explain in detail how these values align with your own beliefs about the nature of probation work.
How do we balance principles like trauma‑informed care and client support with community safety and accountability?
Salary This position is part of the 5‑Step Compensation program; full salary range for this position is $50.13 (Step 1) – $58.52 (Step 5). The expected starting salary is Step 1 – $50.13.
Work Environment3> Alternative work arrangements and teleworking may be considered for this position. The person in this role must reside within the State of Washington and be available for onsite work.
Union Information This position is represented by Local 17; IFPTE‑Municipal Court Probation Counselors. The Probation Counselor I position is exempt from Civil Service and serves at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.
Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .
Additional Information
A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the court’s background check. The background check includes a criminal history background review, fingerprinting, and reference checks.
This is a full‑time position, working 40 hours per week.
Applicants from this recruitment process may be considered for other openings classified as Probation Counselor I within the next six months.
For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/courts.
For more information, visit
www.seattle.gov/courts .
If you have any questions, please contact Pharez Freeland at
Pharez.Freeland@seattle.gov .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Seattle Municipal Court is hiring a Probation Counselor 1 (PC1) to work as a key member of our Probation Services team performing out‑of‑custody and/or in‑custody probationary services for individuals who have been sentenced by the Municipal Court.
YOU WILL BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION IF YOU:
Passionate about public service and eager to dive into new challenges with an abundance of energy, urgency, and positivity.
Understands systemic and institutional racism and motivated to work toward ending them.
Is an active listener with an empathic ear.
Is skilled in interviewing, performing assessments and writing reports for a high‑volume caseload.
Aptitude to learn new systems/technology and approaches to probation. This includes leaning into pilot programs and being the first to implement new/innovative approaches to probation.
Enjoys working as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment but can also make independent decisions and use discretionary judgment.
Responsibilities
Monitor a caseload of probationers (offenses include Impaired Driving, Domestic Violence (DV)) and other misdemeanor offenses using a case management system that records, documents, and audits Probation work.
Monitor, assess, motivate, and counsel probationers toward compliance with court‑ordered conditions related to substance abuse and addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and other criminogenic behavior. Includes regular contact with probationers, treatment providers, community agencies and case and case managers, and other courts. Supervision may include other community‑based work.
Appear in court to testify and present findings during review and status hearings.
Administer drug and alcohol tests, interpret, and report out results to the Court, client, and treatment providers. Collaborate with all parties in developing trauma‑informed and therapeutic adjustments to probation monitoring and treatment programs prioritizing supportive rather than punitive responses to drug and alcohol use.
Develop a case plan, refer probationer to community agencies/resources, and provide crisis intervention/referrals.
Prepare and maintain reports including but not limited to review, status, phase review (classification), dismissal and closure reports. Complete pre‑sentence assessments and provide recommendations that guide disposition decisions related to treatment and supervision. Make community/site visits to community agencies and treatment providers when necessary.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or closely related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that meets ARLJ 11(a)(1) & (2).
Complete the Misdemeanant Probation Counselors Academy per WAC 139‑10‑235 within one year of hire and maintain annual continuing education as required by department.
Commitment to evidence‑based practices and effective work with diverse communities.
Experience, Commitments, and Skills
Extensive experience in Misdemeanant or Juvenile supervision, Child, or Adult Welfare social work, or non‑probation case management roles where interaction with criminal justice involved clients was the primary focus of the position. Preference given to those currently employed in a desired qualified position or within the previous five years.
Proven ability to make decisions and use discretionary judgment in accordance with ARLJ 11(b).
Working with and involvement in community organizations, group facilitation, and collaboration with citizen groups and other governmental agencies.
Commitment To
The belief that securing basic human needs, therapeutic growth, and the accomplishment of personal goals drives behavior change, more so than punitive, carceral responses to misdemeanor crime.
Supporting court divisions in identifying and achieving performance goals through the advancement of equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusive practices.
Applying supportive, equitable, and trauma‑informed principles to case management, client interactions, report writing and court testimony.
Developing an understanding and commitment to Court and department values and principles; showing that commitment in all clients, partner, and colleague interactions, including client interviews and correspondence, agency/provider communication, court report writing and testimony, case documentation, and all other areas of work performed under the umbrella of Seattle Municipal Court and Probation Services.
Continued growth and development in the areas of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing, along with any other areas of professional competency the Court or department identifies as an area of practice to emphasize, enhance, or develop.
Skills
Communicating both verbally and in writing with professionalism, diplomacy, and kindness with the Court’s culturally diverse clients and staff.
Writing and testifying in a court to reports that are required to meet an evidentiary standard of proof.
Trauma‑Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing.
Maintaining objectivity while working under pressure and in stressful situations.
Identifying, assessing, and acting on client needs/emergencies/crises to include utilizing de‑escalation techniques, giving referrals, providing motivation, and making recommendations to the court.
Managing a high‑volume workload/caseload with demonstrated ability to manage time and maintain an organized workload.
Using MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Who may apply This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Why Work at the City The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, personal commitments, and the ways we share perspectives and encourage others. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services. If you share these values and meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply.
Hiring Process In addition to completing your online application, the following attachments are required for your application to be considered complete:
Resume
Cover Letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications and how you would apply them to advance and support the court’s RSJI mission.
Writing Sample (your own original work; submissions generated by AI will not be considered).
Writing Sample Requirement To maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of our selection process, we require that this sample be your own original work. Submissions generated by AI will not be considered. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete this exercise, please let us know; requests will not affect your candidacy.
Prompt:
Seattle Municipal Court Probation Services adopted changes to our probation monitoring practices in 2022 and 2023 that are rooted in goal‑based supervision, equity, transparency, and client support. We believe in second chances, opportunities, putting resources and time where they’re needed—and fundamentally that clients who struggle with compliance are the ones who need our attention and support the most.
Please address the following in your writing sample:
Explain in detail how these values align with your own beliefs about the nature of probation work.
How do we balance principles like trauma‑informed care and client support with community safety and accountability?
Salary This position is part of the 5‑Step Compensation program; full salary range for this position is $50.13 (Step 1) – $58.52 (Step 5). The expected starting salary is Step 1 – $50.13.
Work Environment3> Alternative work arrangements and teleworking may be considered for this position. The person in this role must reside within the State of Washington and be available for onsite work.
Union Information This position is represented by Local 17; IFPTE‑Municipal Court Probation Counselors. The Probation Counselor I position is exempt from Civil Service and serves at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.
Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .
Additional Information
A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the court’s background check. The background check includes a criminal history background review, fingerprinting, and reference checks.
This is a full‑time position, working 40 hours per week.
Applicants from this recruitment process may be considered for other openings classified as Probation Counselor I within the next six months.
For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/courts.
For more information, visit
www.seattle.gov/courts .
If you have any questions, please contact Pharez Freeland at
Pharez.Freeland@seattle.gov .
#J-18808-Ljbffr