Travis County, TX
Pretrial Officer I
Travis County, TX, Texas City, Texas, us, 77592
Salary:
$52,162.24 - $61,441.10 Annually
Location :
509 W. 11th St., TX
Job Type:
Full Time
Job Number:
24-09425
Department:
Pretrial Services
Opening Date:
09/03/2024
Closing Date:
Continuous
Job Summary
Are you looking for career opportunities that provide top-notch benefits including paid vacation and sick leave, parental leave, outstanding health, vision, and dental insurance, an on-site health clinic for you and your dependents, a generous retirement plan, and much more? Then bring your talents to Travis County!
Interviews, investigates and evaluates clients incarcerated on criminal charges to determine their eligibility for personal bond and determines indigent status for court appointed attorney. Refers personal bond applicants to various agencies for treatment or assistance with alcohol, drug or personal problems. Makes recommendations to judges as to whether a client should be granted release from jail on personal recognizance bond and on motions to revoke personal bonds. Completes indigence forms to determine defendants' eligibility for court appointed legal representation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Investigates and interviews incarcerated clients to determine if they are eligible for release from jail on personal recognizance bond. Recommends to the judge whether a client should be granted release on personal recognizance bond, and what terms or specific conditions should be required when granted. Refers clients released or due to be released on bond to agencies for assistance and/or treatment.Ensures indigence forms are completed to determine defendants' eligibility for court appointed attorney. Serves as an intermediary between judges and attorneys on questions concerning bond recommendations and court appointed attorney status.Informs and briefs police, jail personnel, family and friends of the incarcerated client, lawyers and others regarding bond recommendations. Serves as the personal bond representative at the County court jail call. Serves as the Pretrial Services representative at jail calls for selected Justices of the Peace and County Courts at Law. Compiles lists of defendants needing interviews and completes appropriate documentation.Completes follow-up investigations on denied bonds from previous shifts and/or personal bonds completed by attorneys. Completes follow-up on denied bonds which have secured jail release. Recommends to judges that bonds be revoked on subsequent arrest or problem clients, or when there is imminent danger to the community. Provides testimony in court, as required, on assigned cases.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a directly related field;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:Valid Texas Driver's License.
Preferred:Texas Crime Information Center Certification.National Crime Information Center Certification.One (1) year of work experience in a directly related field.Degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Sociology, or Government
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable pretrial services standards and procedures.Standard practices in area of assignment.Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.Skill in:
Problem-solving and decision-making.Interviewing clients.Both verbal and written communication.Ability to:
Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.Reason and make judgments and decisions.Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges and the general public.
Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-25 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to client and customer contact for extended periods of time.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Work Hours: *Shift schedule includes working every weekend and some nights and some holidays. *Work schedule may be changed at any time based on business necessity.* A Shift:6:00 AM to 2:30 PM*B Shift:2:00 PM to 10:30 PM*C Shift:10:00 PM to 6:30 AM
Location: 509 W 11th St, Austin, TX
Department: Pretrial Services
Criminal Background Check, Education, and Employment history check required.
BenefitsEmployment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.FY2024 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit UnionEmployees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred CompensationEmployees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct DepositEmployees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance ProgramTravis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee OrganizationsMembership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness ClinicEmployees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
HolidaysAn average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
InsuranceEmployees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
DentalVisionSupplemental Life, AD&DDependent LifeShort Term DisabilityLong Term DisabilityLong Term Care
New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
LongevityLongevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
ParkingA limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal HolidaysRegular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays
April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday
October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.RetirementTravis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick LeaveRegular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental LeaveEach Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition RefundCertain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
VacationBased on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.Workers' CompensationThe county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher?
YesNo
02
If you have a degree, is it in Criminal Justice or a directly related field?
YesNo
03
How many years of experience do you have in criminal justice? Be sure your response is supported in the employment history section of the job application.
NoneLess than 2 years2 to 2 years4 to 5 years6 or more years
04
Are you bilingual- English/Spanish? If you answer "Yes" a Spanish speaking proficiency screening will be administered during the interview.
YesNo
05
Have you been convicted of a Misdemeanor Class A, Misdemeanor Class B or any Felony? (Including deferred adjudication sentence).
YesNo
06
This position requires working with inmates at the Travis County Jail. Are you able to work with incarcerated individuals?
YesNo
07
This position will require you to work a schedule that includes working every weekend, some nights and some holidays and any of the following possible shifts: 6:00AM to 2:30PM, 2:00PM to 10:30PM, or 10:00PM to 6:30AM. The work schedule may be changed anytime based on business necessity. By selecting (Yes) you hereby acknowledge and understand the work schedule requirements as stated and that you are able to meet this requirement.
YesNo
08
Pretrial Services employees perform functions that are considered essential to the administration of justice in Travis County. This position may require you to work instances where Travis County agencies are closed to the public for regular business due to emergency situations (including, but not limited to adverse weather). By selecting (Yes) you hereby acknowledge and understand the requirement as stated and that you are able to meet this requirement.
YesNo
Required Question
$52,162.24 - $61,441.10 Annually
Location :
509 W. 11th St., TX
Job Type:
Full Time
Job Number:
24-09425
Department:
Pretrial Services
Opening Date:
09/03/2024
Closing Date:
Continuous
Job Summary
Are you looking for career opportunities that provide top-notch benefits including paid vacation and sick leave, parental leave, outstanding health, vision, and dental insurance, an on-site health clinic for you and your dependents, a generous retirement plan, and much more? Then bring your talents to Travis County!
Interviews, investigates and evaluates clients incarcerated on criminal charges to determine their eligibility for personal bond and determines indigent status for court appointed attorney. Refers personal bond applicants to various agencies for treatment or assistance with alcohol, drug or personal problems. Makes recommendations to judges as to whether a client should be granted release from jail on personal recognizance bond and on motions to revoke personal bonds. Completes indigence forms to determine defendants' eligibility for court appointed legal representation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Investigates and interviews incarcerated clients to determine if they are eligible for release from jail on personal recognizance bond. Recommends to the judge whether a client should be granted release on personal recognizance bond, and what terms or specific conditions should be required when granted. Refers clients released or due to be released on bond to agencies for assistance and/or treatment.Ensures indigence forms are completed to determine defendants' eligibility for court appointed attorney. Serves as an intermediary between judges and attorneys on questions concerning bond recommendations and court appointed attorney status.Informs and briefs police, jail personnel, family and friends of the incarcerated client, lawyers and others regarding bond recommendations. Serves as the personal bond representative at the County court jail call. Serves as the Pretrial Services representative at jail calls for selected Justices of the Peace and County Courts at Law. Compiles lists of defendants needing interviews and completes appropriate documentation.Completes follow-up investigations on denied bonds from previous shifts and/or personal bonds completed by attorneys. Completes follow-up on denied bonds which have secured jail release. Recommends to judges that bonds be revoked on subsequent arrest or problem clients, or when there is imminent danger to the community. Provides testimony in court, as required, on assigned cases.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a directly related field;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:Valid Texas Driver's License.
Preferred:Texas Crime Information Center Certification.National Crime Information Center Certification.One (1) year of work experience in a directly related field.Degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Sociology, or Government
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and applicable pretrial services standards and procedures.Standard practices in area of assignment.Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.Skill in:
Problem-solving and decision-making.Interviewing clients.Both verbal and written communication.Ability to:
Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.Reason and make judgments and decisions.Work effectively and courteously under stressful circumstances.Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, attorneys, judges and the general public.
Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-25 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with communicable diseases, radiation, hazardous waste, human fecal matter and foul odors. Subject to client and customer contact for extended periods of time.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Work Hours: *Shift schedule includes working every weekend and some nights and some holidays. *Work schedule may be changed at any time based on business necessity.* A Shift:6:00 AM to 2:30 PM*B Shift:2:00 PM to 10:30 PM*C Shift:10:00 PM to 6:30 AM
Location: 509 W 11th St, Austin, TX
Department: Pretrial Services
Criminal Background Check, Education, and Employment history check required.
BenefitsEmployment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.FY2024 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit UnionEmployees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred CompensationEmployees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct DepositEmployees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance ProgramTravis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee OrganizationsMembership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness ClinicEmployees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
HolidaysAn average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
InsuranceEmployees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
DentalVisionSupplemental Life, AD&DDependent LifeShort Term DisabilityLong Term DisabilityLong Term Care
New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
LongevityLongevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
ParkingA limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal HolidaysRegular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays
April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday
October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.RetirementTravis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick LeaveRegular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental LeaveEach Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition RefundCertain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
VacationBased on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.Workers' CompensationThe county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher?
YesNo
02
If you have a degree, is it in Criminal Justice or a directly related field?
YesNo
03
How many years of experience do you have in criminal justice? Be sure your response is supported in the employment history section of the job application.
NoneLess than 2 years2 to 2 years4 to 5 years6 or more years
04
Are you bilingual- English/Spanish? If you answer "Yes" a Spanish speaking proficiency screening will be administered during the interview.
YesNo
05
Have you been convicted of a Misdemeanor Class A, Misdemeanor Class B or any Felony? (Including deferred adjudication sentence).
YesNo
06
This position requires working with inmates at the Travis County Jail. Are you able to work with incarcerated individuals?
YesNo
07
This position will require you to work a schedule that includes working every weekend, some nights and some holidays and any of the following possible shifts: 6:00AM to 2:30PM, 2:00PM to 10:30PM, or 10:00PM to 6:30AM. The work schedule may be changed anytime based on business necessity. By selecting (Yes) you hereby acknowledge and understand the work schedule requirements as stated and that you are able to meet this requirement.
YesNo
08
Pretrial Services employees perform functions that are considered essential to the administration of justice in Travis County. This position may require you to work instances where Travis County agencies are closed to the public for regular business due to emergency situations (including, but not limited to adverse weather). By selecting (Yes) you hereby acknowledge and understand the requirement as stated and that you are able to meet this requirement.
YesNo
Required Question