Mental Health Probation Officer

at  City of Alexandria VA

MENTAL HEALTH PROBATION OFFICER

A Pretrial/Probation Officer performs a full range of intake and investigative casework and supportive counseling to adult defendants/offenders presenting with alcohol/substance abuse, emotional, behavioral, or co-occurring (substance use disorder/serious mental illness) related problems that are referred by the City of Alexandria Courts. An employee in this class is granted a wide range of authority under the Code of Virginia. This Pretrial/Probation Officer carries a case load which includes complex and challenging cases.
The Mental Health Probation Officer carries a case load which includes complex and difficult cases and involves the preparation, monitoring and assessment of individual treatment plans; crisis intervention; short term individual and group counseling; makes referrals for service by using best evidence-based practices. The incumbent provides comprehensive supervision services and sanctions for the Court to defendants/offenders with mental health diagnosis under pretrial or probation release supervision. Assist in rehabilitation of clients through treatment, supervision, education, counseling, mentoring, conflict resolution, and referrals to community resources. assist adult defendants/offenders in leading law-abiding lives, designed to enhance treatment compliance and reduce/prevent incarceration and enhance public safety. Presents cases in court, team meetings and makes sound recommendations to the judiciary. Works directly with Commonwealth Attorney, Defense Attorney, and Treatment Providers to provide continuity of care and treatment. Assist clients’ with maintaining compliance with the court’s orders. An employee in this class is granted a wide range of authority under the Code of Virginia and performs his/her duties under the general supervision of the Alexandria Criminal Justice Services Director, and maybe called upon to be available on a 24-hour basis in the event of an emergency or crisis.

Examples of Work

• Conduct risk assessments and develop individual treatment plans;
• Meets with clients in various locations to monitor living situation and/or monitor behavior and compliance to treatment and program services;
• Provides supportive services to clients such as crisis intervention, counseling, problem solving, etc.;
• Considers sanctions/rewards for pro-social behavior with collaboration of interdisciplinary team members;
• Writes and maintains thorough and accurate chronological records of all client related contacts;
• Enters and updates data in the PreTrial Community Corrections (PTCC) Case Management System
• Reports are submitted in a timely manner and in accordance to DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services) Guidelines;
• Prepares correspondence/reports to the Judge, Commonwealth Attorney and the Defense Attorney regarding defendant/offender(s) compliance with probation by providing court reviews and/or violation reports;
• Prepares and files showcause petitions, court reports and sentencing letters; notifies the client of the court dates, attends and testifies in court as needed;
• Appears and testifies in court;
• Maintain communication with various county, state and community agencies to coordinate services and obtain treatment reports on defendant/offender(s) progress;
• Monitors payments plans for court cost, restitution and service provider fees;
• Assist in the development of treatment groups and serves as liaison with between service providers;
• Ability to facilitate/lead motivational treatment groups;
• Meets regularly with an interdisciplinary teams and attends other meetings as necessary;
• Attends regular meetings with CSB partners and other community stakeholders
• Member of the Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board Jail Diversion sub-committee;
• Confers with ACJS Director & CSB liaison to discuss assigned cases;
• Attends relevant training sessions, and conferences;
• Maintains & prepares statistical data and administrative reports as requested
• Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principals in sociology and psychology relating to adult counseling methods and skills; thorough knowledge of court procedures and laws; thorough knowledge of the function and practices of the court as they relate to clients; thorough knowledge of case management methods and client supervision practices; good knowledge of the principles and techniques of motivational interviewing; extensive knowledge of pretrial and probation techniques; good knowledge of correctional and safety procedures, guidelines, and services; excellent knowledge of the criminal justice system and the constitutional rights of detainees; skillful in motivating clients to demonstrate positive behavior; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals in stressful situations; excellent problem solving skills; excellent time management skills; excellent writing skills; excellent oral communication skills; excellent decision making skills; excellent computer skills; ability to be a team player.

MINIMUM & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum: Four-Year College Degree in psychology or related field; one year experience working with criminal justice, substance abuse and/or mentally ill population; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Meets Qualified Mental Health Professional criteria; employees must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the state of their residence.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred: Post graduate courses relating to Mental health and the judicial system, psychology, counseling, or related field; two years experience in case management with clients in criminal justice and mental health systems; and Bilingual English and Spanish.

Please refer the Job description for details