Pretrial Release Investigator

Salary: $25.43 Hourly
Location : County Courthouse 180 Ottawa Avenue NW Grand Rapids
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number:
Department: Circuit Court
Division: Circuit Court Services
Opening Date: 02/20/2026
Closing Date: 3/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Responsibilities

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact at the earliest point in the justice process, consider joining Kent County as a Pretrial Release Investigator. Based in the Kent County Correctional Facility, this part-time role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with corrections deputies, law enforcement officers, and court staff across all five district courts and the 17th Circuit Court.

You'll conduct interviews with defendants who have recently been arrested, research their criminal histories, prepare bond recommendation reports, and testify in court, gaining hands-on experience that's ideal for those pursuing a career in criminal justice. This position does not involve behavioral management but instead focuses on investigative work that blends independent tasks with team collaboration. Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as each case presents unique challenges.

The successful candidate will screen and investigate defendants for pretrial release, conducting interviews with those booked into the Correctional Facility. Additional responsibilities include verifying defendant information, preparing reports for various courts across the County, and presenting findings to District Court Judges for bond review. This position also involves appearing in court for arraignments and serving as the pretrial program liaison.
Work Schedule:
Rotating 4-Week Cycle

This position follows a consistent 4-week rotating schedule. Shifts vary by week and include early mornings, daytime hours, and occasional overnight shifts. The schedule repeats every four weeks as follows:

• Week 1
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Week 2
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM
• Week 3
  • Monday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM
• Week 4
  • Monday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Minimum Qualifications
The equivalency of an Associate's Degree in criminal justice or closely related field (60 credit hours) is required.

The equivalent of two years of client supervision, casework, or experience in court or legal systems dealing with at-risk populations or six months prior work experience in a pretrial service program is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license and have access to transportation in the performance of job duties.

Requires knowledge of the criminal justice system and skilled use of computers. Must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written and the ability to interact with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Ability to speak and understand Spanish is an asset.

Additional Information

* Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*

Don't take our word for it that Kent County is a great place to work and thrive. Watch this video of why our staff have made us their employer of choice
01

This position is part-time. Are you seeking part-time employment?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess an associate degree or sixty (60) semester credit hours in criminal justice or related field?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you willing to work second shift, holidays, and weekends?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess two years of experience in client supervision, casework, or experience in court or legal systems dealing with at-risk populations or six months of prior work experience in pretrial service programs? Please answer in a few sentences.
Required Question