Probation Officer

Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill Term‑Limited Temporary (TLT) position. The TLT is anticipated to end December 31, 2026.

KCDC is the largest and most technologically advanced Court of Limited Jurisdiction in the State of Washington. It currently processes approximately 200,000 matters per year with 25 elected judges and roughly 260 employees at 8 courthouse locations. It is a leader in public safety and access to justice, including problem‑solving courts, jail‑alternative programs, technology and judge‑managed probation services. Thirteen cities contract with King County for court services provided by KCDC.

King County District Court is seeking applicants for a Probation Officer position. The Probation Officer is responsible for managing a caseload of misdemeanant offenders and monitoring compliance with probation conditions as directed by the General Administrative Order (GAO). It conducts in‑depth interviews with misdemeanant offenders, writes pre‑sentence reports, appears in court to address compliance issues, and regularly interacts with Judges. A successful candidate will work independently while taking directions from supervisors and judges, de‑escalate stressful situations, exercise authority respectfully, be assertive, communicate effectively with a diverse population, demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and manage a caseload with a fully electronic case management system with no paper files.

• Conduct presentence investigations on orders from the court.
• Conduct in‑depth interviews with offenders to gather accurate data regarding background and present situation.
• Assess problem areas, including alcohol, other drugs, domestic violence and mental illness.
• Write presentence reports containing summary background data gathered in presentence interviews and collateral contacts.
• Submit reports, including sentencing alternatives, to the court.
• Monitor compliance with probation conditions as directed by GAO.
• Consult with higher level personnel on difficult or complex cases.
• Maintain an electronic log of contacts and information obtained relative to an individual case to monitor activity and progress.
• Write final disposition, compliance or violation reports to court including recommendations for review or revocation of probation.
• Send reports and appear in court to present review, revocation or final disposition recommendations at scheduled hearings.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to make relevant evaluations and appropriate recommendations based on information obtained during a presentence investigation.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural, ethnic and lifestyle backgrounds.
• Willingness to enforce and monitor court requirements and report all violations.
• Willingness to serve as an agent of the court, without complete client confidentiality, rather than in a traditional treatment role.
• Willingness and ability to accept assignments in various office locations throughout the county.
• Basic interviewing skills, including the ability to put a person at ease, convey ideas verbally, obtain information and direct the interview.
• Must be well organized and have the ability to work independently under pressure.
• Able to accept, as well as utilize authority, and work cooperatively and courteously with others including coworkers, supervisors, judges, court personnel, police officers, attorneys, prosecutors and staff members from public and private agencies.

Must have a bachelor’s degree with concentration in social/behavioral sciences
, but graduate work or master’s degree is desirable and

• At least one year of interviewing and social/psychological diagnostic experience, preferably in the criminal justice system.
• Possession of the abilities and skills outlined above.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license.
• Graduate coursework or special education and work experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism, other substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health may be substituted for…