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Seattle Municipal Court

Probation Counselor I

Seattle Municipal Court, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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Overview

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Probation Counselor I

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Seattle Municipal Court . 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 committed to advancing social justice by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community, and building a diverse workforce. The Court participates in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). Candidates who can effectively work with multi-cultural communities, and who are 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 I (PC1) to work as a key member of our Probation Services team, performing out-of-custody and/or in-custody probationary services for individuals sentenced by the Municipal Court.

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. Include regular contact with probations, treatment providers, community agencies 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 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 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.

Qualifications

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 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.

Core Commitments and Skills

The belief that securing basic human needs, therapeutic growth, and personal goals drive behavior change, favoring supportive over punitive responses to misdemeanor crime.

Advancing equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusive practices in court divisions.

Applying trauma-informed, supportive, and equitable principles to case management, client interactions, report writing, and court testimony.

Commitment to Court and department values in all interactions and work products.

Continued growth in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication with professionalism and kindness toward the Court’s culturally diverse clients and staff.

Writing and testifying in court to reports meeting evidentiary standards.

Trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.

Maintaining objectivity under pressure and in stressful situations.

Assessing and addressing client needs/crises, de-escalation, referrals, and making recommendations to the court.

Managing a high-volume workload with strong time management and organization.

Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Additional Information

Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience and abilities align with the qualifications above. The City of Seattle values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Hiring Process: Required attachments include Resume, Cover Letter describing alignment with responsibilities and RSJI mission, and a Writing Sample (own original work).

Salary: Full salary range for this position is $50.13 (Step 1) - $58.52 (Step 5). Starting salary typically Step 1.

Work Environment: Telework may be considered; reside in Washington and be available for onsite work.

Union Information: Represented by Local 17; IFPTE-Municipal Court Probation Counselors. The position is exempt from Civil Service.

Benefits: Comprehensive package including vacation, holidays, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Details at the City’s benefits site.

Background checks required: Criminal history, fingerprinting, and reference checks.

For questions, contact Pharez Freeland at Pharez.Freeland@seattle.gov

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