Probation Counselor

Mission

The Seattle Municipal Court’s (SMC) mission is to provide a forum for people to resolve alleged violations of the law in a respectful, independent, and impartial manner. The Court is dedicated to advancing social justice issues by supporting personal, structural, and systemic change in our community and building a diverse workforce. The Court works collaboratively to realize the City of Seattle’s vision of racial equity by participating in the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI).

Candidates with the ability to effectively work with multi‑cultural communities and who are committed to being respectful and impartial when addressing customer issues are encouraged to apply. SMC is a highly innovative and progressive court with a community‑based approach to judicial administration.

The Seattle Municipal Court is hiring a Probation Counselor 1 (PC1) to work as a key member of our Probation Services team performing out‑of‑custody and/or in‑custody probationary services for individuals who have been sentenced by the Municipal Court.

• Passionate about public service and eager to dive into new challenges with an abundance of energy, urgency, and positivity.
• Understands systemic and institutional racism and motivated to work toward ending them.
• Is an active listener with an empathic ear.
• Is skilled in interviewing, performing assessments and writing reports for a high‑volume caseload.
• Aptitude to learn new systems/technology and approaches to probation. This includes leaning into pilot programs and being the first to implement new/innovative approaches to probation.
• Enjoys working as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment but can also make independent decisions and use discretionary judgment.

• Monitor a caseload of probationers (offenses include Impaired Driving, Domestic Violence (DV)) and other misdemeanor offenses using a case management system that records, documents, and audits Probation work.
• Monitor, assess, motivate, and counsel probationers toward compliance with court‑ordered conditions related to substance abuse and addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and other criminogenic behavior. Includes regular contact with probationers, treatment providers, community agencies and case and case managers, and other courts. Supervision may include other community‑based work.
• Appear in court to testify and present findings during review and status hearings.
• Administer drug and alcohol tests, interpret, and report out results to the Court, client, and treatment providers. Collaborate with all parties in developing trauma‑informed and therapeutic adjustments to probation monitoring and treatment programs prioritizing supportive rather than punitive responses to drug and alcohol use.
• Develop a case plan, refer probationer to community agencies/resources, and provide crisis intervention/referrals.
• Prepare and maintain reports including but not limited to review, status, phase review (classification), dismissal and closure reports. Complete pre‑sentence assessments and provide recommendations that guide disposition decisions related to treatment and supervision. Make community/site visits to community agencies and treatment providers when necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in social/behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or closely related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that meets ARLJ 11(a)(1) & (2).
• Complete the Misdemeanant Probation Counselors Academy per WAC 139‑10‑235 within one year of hire and maintain annual continuing education as required by department.
• Commitment to evidence‑based practices and effective work with diverse communities.

• Extensive experience in Misdemeanant or Juvenile supervision, Child, or Adult Welfare social work, or non‑probation case management roles where interaction with criminal justice involved clients was the primary focus of the position. Preference given to those currently employed in a desired qualified position or within the previous five years.
• Proven ability to make decisions and use…