Under limited supervision, perform a variety of probation functions for Cowlitz County Adult Probation Services in conjunction with Cowlitz County District Court; manage assigned case load, prepare, and maintain case records; utilize risk assessments in developing defendant case plans; monitor defendant compliance with court-ordered conditions, initiate court action for non-compliance; perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County

1. Interview defendants referred from the courts, conduct risk assessments to assess and classify defendants and determine appropriate levels of supervision.
2. Supervise defendants placed on Deferred Prosecution, Stipulated Order of Continuance, Deferred Sentence, or post-conviction probation according to the relevant RCW and/or court orders.
3. Refer defendants to appropriate behavioral health and/or educational services, such as substance use disorder services, mental health, anger management, or domestic violence perpetrator programs. Develop local and regional contacts for referral purposes for such services.
4. Respond to allegations of defendant non-compliance; prepare and provide written violation reports to the courts; attend probation violation hearings and provide verbal case summaries and recommendations to the courts.
5. Prepare, update, and maintain case records and files, document all case activity.
6. Administer breath tests (PBT) and urinalysis (UA) tests as ordered by the courts, or as deemed necessary.
7. Ensure contact standards are met on each case, including regular face-to-face meetings with defendants, depending on risk levels. May conduct home visits or contact defendants in the community, when warranted, for safety and/or compliance purposes.
8. Conduct pre-sentence investigations as assigned.
9. Assist with DUI Victim Impact Panel.
10. Attend and participate in department staff meetings, other inter-agency meetings, and/or any relevant training, to stay apprised of any matters affecting the duties of this position.

Other Duties:

Probation Officer I:

1. Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social science, or closely related field, and two (2) years of experience in any of these areas.
2. Successfully complete the Misdemeanant Probation/Classification Counselor Academy within six months of employment.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with defendants from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, who may be dealing with problematic circumstances such as alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, domestic violence, and sexual deviancy.
4. Successfully pass a background investigation, which may include a psychological interview.
5. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

1. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, court, and jail personnel, outside agencies, treatment providers, defendants, and the general public.
2. Excellent business and legal communication skills, in oral and written form.
3. Able to prepare and maintain current and accurate case notes for each defendant on case load.
4. Effectively present recommendations and opinions to the court.
5. Able to multi-task daily activities and determine work priorities.
6. Able to work in a cooperative work environment, cover caseloads for other staff during vacation and other leave periods.
7. Able to maintain composure during stressful situations, including when dealing with potentially hostile defendants, their family members, or crime victims.
8. Exercise discretion with confidential/sensitive matters.